Orkney youngsters pedal power through cycle training!

More than 140 Primary 7 pupils across Mainland and isles schools in Orkney have achieved level 2 on-road cycle training.

Thanks to Cycling Scotland funding, the Council’s Active Schools team, with support from Yvonne Scott from the OIC’s Road Safety Team, Alex Clarke from Cycle Orkney and trained volunteers, they were able to deliver the successful Bikeability Scotland training programme for school children. The scheme is designed to give young folk the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads.

Exercise is great for the body and mind, and the Council is keen to ensure the fully funded programme delivers Level 1 training to P5s and level 2 to P6 and/or P7.

Due to Covid many senior primary pupils missed the opportunity to undertake Bikeability Level 2 training last year.

Road Safety Officer, Yvonne Scott, said: “I am delighted that Active School Co-ordinators, who are all Cycling Scotland cycle trainers, could offer the schools assistance to deliver level 2 to P7 pupils, with a 3 day intensive course, before the transition to secondary school.   Without their assistance many P7 pupils would have missed this invaluable life skill which allows them to incorporate active travel in their daily lives. This allowed our school cycle trainers to continue the training to P5 and P6 pupils as normal and we are indebted to them each year for their time and experience they share with pupils.

“The delivery in the Orkney schools has been exceptional with most schools delivering level 2 training – this is a tremendous achievement by all.”

Carolynn Leslie, Active Schools Co-ordinator, added: “Pupils showed great enthusiasm towards the training and in most instances excelled. The training provided some light relief and a change in learning environment for pupils, after Covid restrictions eased.”

Thanks must go to Orkney’s local Cycling Scotland Tutors for rolling out the programme; including Active Schools Co-ordinators, Yvonne Scott, Alex Clarke and trained school staff.