Fleet of bikes launched at Wick primary school after grant award
Pupils at a Wick primary school are making the most of pedal power thanks to a newly delivered fleet of 29 bikes.
They were acquired by Noss Primary School through Cycling UK and the UCI Legacy Cycle Share Fund. The fund encourages more people in Scotland to cycle by providing grants for schemes that give people affordable, easy and convenient access to a bike.
Pupils, staff and families were joined by local representatives of Cycling UK for the launch which coincided with the school sports days, allowing families and youngsters to try out the bikes for the first time.
Noss was awarded a grant of £15,875.41 which enabled the school to purchase cycles and equipment for the community to access free of charge.
Head teacher Fraser Thomson said: “Our fleet of bikes are now ready to use for our pupils and families – whether this happens after school, at the weekend or during the holidays.
“We have acquired bikes that suit all abilities, ranging from balance bikes to bicycles for adults. With the lighter nights and the warmer weather, there is no better time for our launch.
“We run various cycling activities during and after school and we look forward to extending these opportunities over the summer and into the next school session.”
Mr Thomson pointed out: “Owning a cycle is not the best option for everyone. Upfront costs of buying a bike are a significant barrier, but people may also feel unsure about which cycle is best for them, have concerns about maintaining a cycle or not have anywhere safe to store it.
“Removing these barriers to cycling will only benefit our community by supporting health and wellbeing and making a positive impact on our local environment.
“It has been brilliant to see our pupils from across the school and their younger siblings having a go at learning to ride a bike.”
George Ewing, Caithness-based development officer for Cycling UK, supported the school with the initiative.
Speaking after the event, Mr Ewing said: “Cycling UK was delighted when Mr Thomson submitted his application to the UCI Legacy Cycle Share Fund and we’ve worked alongside the school and local business to ensure that the most suitable bikes and equipment have been purchased for the pupils and families.
“Today these bikes were revealed to the children and it has been great fun being part of that, and seeing the smiles on the pupils’ faces as they tried out the different bikes.
“Cycling UK has promised to continue its support to the school by providing maintenance lessons and family-friendly cycle sessions.”
Mr Ewing was assisted by Robin Aitken and Derek Fraser, both of whom are Cycling UK volunteers.
Noss was also awarded money recently from the Dounreay Communities Fund to help acquire table tennis tables to support the school’s rapidly expanding programme of clubs and activities.
Mr Thomson said: “We are very grateful to the Dounreay Communities Fund for recognising the significant impact this grant can have in our school and community.
“Working in partnership with our active schools coordinator, Tina Gibson, we look forward to offering a table tennis after-school club next session in our school building. We hope to hold community competitions and an inter-school house league.
“We have been very fortunate in the respect that the club is led by a parent volunteer. Magda Jakobik has helped share her experience with the pupils to develop their skills and abilities.”
