Numbers almost double in second week of Noss school bike train
A new initiative encouraging Wick primary pupils to cycle to school has taken off in a big way.
Thirty-four children, supported by six adults, joined in the second week of the school bike train from Staxigoe to Noss Primary School.
That was almost double the number of pupils who had taken part in the first ride a week earlier.
The bike train is being trialled as a partnership between Noss Primary School and national charity Cycling UK, starting each Tuesday at 8.25am.
It sets off from the Staxigoe bus shelter and follows a route through a number of residential streets on the north side of Wick, with pupils, family members and staff welcome if they want to get involved.
This week’s ride involved children from the Noss ELC and every stage of the school. The 34 youngsters were accompanied by Colin Davidson, David Craigie, Arlene Taylor, Norman MacLeod, Derek Fraser and head teacher Fraser Thomson.
Mr Thomson said: “The group were delighted to see so many well-wishers on our pedal in on Tuesday morning. The conditions were perfect.
“To nearly double the number of cyclists in just a week is incredible and we’ll be hoping that even more pupils and families join in next week.”
The initiative has been made possible by a grant of £15,875.41 that enabled Noss to buy cycles and equipment for the community to access free of charge. More than 30 bikes were acquired through Cycling UK and the UCI Legacy Cycle Share Fund.
Mr Thomson added: “More and more pupils have started to access our fleet of bikes and accessories such as helmets and locks for use in the community.”
Eighteen children and four adults took part in the first bike train. The intention is to keep it going every Tuesday until the end of the current term, showing the benefits of active travel.
George Ewing, Cycling UK’s Caithness-based development officer, said: “It’s fantastic to see the smiling faces of the children cycling to school in the mornings and we at Cycling UK are chuffed to be part of it.
“I would like to encourage more pupils and parents to join us to be part of our train.”