A Council scheme to encourage more young people to cycle is proving an astounding success with the number of schools and participants increasing substantially since last year.
The Go By Bike project has resulted in 3,926 participations and 28 schools to take part in the scheme that compares to 3,200 and 20 schools the previous year.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The Council’s Go By Bike scheme is getting more and more people interested in cycling as a leisure activity and also as an alternative way to travel to work.
“Although the scheme is aimed at all age ranges, the work our team does with young people is invaluable. These are the commuters of the future and if we can get as many people confident in using sustainable methods of transport then the area will be a step closer to tackling congestion and improving air quality. Regular cyclists increase to a third of all pupils at Go By Bike schools in 2009, this number was just seven per cent.”
Jean Welch, Deputy Head at Farrington Gurney Primary School, has welcomed Go By Bike and the work of Council Cycling Development Officer Jim Imeson.
She said: “He has an excellent manner with the children and they are all excited when he comes to the school and he motivates them to do more with their bikes and scooters. Having his support has helped us achieve our Healthy Schools Plus award and our Director of Public Health School Certificate.”
Go By Bike has made proactive use of the Odd Down Cycling Circuit with some 1,048 participants across a range of ages taking part in sessions. Schools from Oldfield Park, Bath Community Academy, Margaret Coates Centre, Three Ways, Prior Park, Marksbury, Farmborough, St Philip’s and St Martin’s Garden have all taken part.
Rides have also been organised as part of The Big Pedal, launch of Two Tunnels together with supporting the Sulis Scorpions youth cycling alliance moving from strength to strength.
