Bikeability boost in South Ayrshire

The latest participation figures from Cycling Scotland, have revealed a huge increase in the number of children receiving on-road cycle training in South Ayrshire!

A fantastic 59% of primary schools now offer Bikeability level 2 training, up from 42%.

Level 2 training means cycling on quieter roads, which allows riders to get used to vehicles. They also learn other skills, such as starting and stopping with more confidence as well as understanding road signals, signs, and road markings.

Councillor Bob Pollock, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I am delighted that more of our children and young people are undergoing Bikeability training. With active travel becoming increasingly important for health and wellbeing, it's crucial that pupils can get about on two wheels safely."

Councillor Stephen Ferry, Education Portfolio Holder said: "Cycling to and from school has been shown to improve pupil attention and engagement. Healthier habits can lead to increased attendance and improved academic results. Bikeability is not just a training course it can help change lives for the better."

David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager at Cycling Scotland, said: "South Ayrshire's achievement of delivering Bikeability Scotland on-road cycle training at 59% of its primary schools deserves to be celebrated. South Ayrshire is providing its children with the best possible start, offering a gateway to healthier, more active lifestyles, and setting pupils up with important skills and confidence that they will take forward into later life."

Bikeability Scotland, is the national cycle training programme for school children. This year over 60% of primary schools in Scotland ran on-road cycle training, setting a new national record, with over 60,000 children and young people benefitting.

Ayrshire Roads Alliance would like to thank all the instructors who are either school staff or volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer instructor please email ara.roadsafety@ayrshireroadsalliance.org