Scotland getting it right by empowering students and schools to prioritise cycling

In a bid to promote healthy, eco-friendly transportation options and improve the overall well-being of students, Scotland has been making significant strides in supporting schools to prioritize cycling. Through collaborative efforts involving schools, local authorities, and Cycling Scotland, the national cycling charity, young people across the country are now enjoying enhanced cycling facilities, making it easier than ever to pedal their way to school.

One of the standout initiatives is the provision of secure, covered bike parking facilities at schools. This development, supported by over £1.1 million from Transport Scotland’s active travel budget, has been implemented in 161 schools across the nation, benefiting nearly 60,000 students. This investment has created a safer and more convenient environment for students to cycle to school, offering them secure places to store their bicycles during the school day.

“A bike is a treasured possession – in many cases, a present given for Christmas or a birthday – and can hold huge emotional as well as financial value,” says Katharine Brough, Head of Grant Funding & Partnerships at Cycling Scotland. “Secure bike parking makes it easier to cycle to school and provides reassurance that a bike will be safe throughout the day.”

In the picturesque Highlands, from Thurso to the Isle of Skye, Arisaig to Inverness, over 3,500 children and young people have embraced this cycling revolution. These young cyclists now have access to state-of-the-art cycle facilities, thanks to the concerted efforts of Cycling Scotland, local authorities, and schools in the region.

According to information provided by Cycle Scotland, statistics from the Highlands paint a promising picture of the success of these initiatives:

1. Over 7% of children in the Highlands regularly cycle to school, making it the second-highest region for cycling among young people in Scotland.
2. Cycling accounts for 6% of all journeys in the Highlands, the highest percentage in the country.
3. An impressive 17% of adults in the Highlands usually or regularly cycle to work.
4. A remarkable 58% of households in the Highlands have access to one or more bicycles, ranking it as the third-highest local authority for bike accessibility.

Primary six children at St Marnock’s in Pollok, Glasgow (photo Cycle Scotland)

Cycling Scotland are playing a pivotal role in making these achievements possible. The organization allocated £74,000 to the Highland Council Road Safety Team, which was then matched by the council. This funding allowed for the installation of six cycle shelters at primary schools and four scooter pods, further promoting active travel among students. These bike shelters provide a secure space for students to lock their bikes during school hours, instilling confidence in parents and students alike regarding the safety of their valuable possessions.

Emma Garden, Bikeability Scotland Co-ordinator in the Highland Council Road Safety Team, emphasized the positive impact of these shelters, saying, “The shelters are used regularly by pupils cycling to school and taking part in Bikeability Scotland training, giving them safe, accessible storage while in school, and schools are already seeing an increase in the number of pupils cycling to school too, which is hugely positive.”

Cycle Scotland shared the thoughts of Lisa, a Grade 7 student, saying, “Now our school has its new bike shelter, I am allowed to cycle to school every day. There is somewhere safe to keep my new bike I got for my birthday. I am really excited to be cycling with my friends.”

Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie also praised the ongoing efforts to promote cycling in schools, stating, “I’m pleased that a further 60,000 pupils, right across the country, are now benefiting from improved cycling facilities and bike parking at school.” He emphasized the need for not only better facilities but also safer infrastructure and cycling lanes, committing the Scottish Government to invest £320 million in active travel.

Scotland’s commitment to making cycling a priority in schools is yielding positive results, with more students embracing the joys of cycling to school. This is something they will be able to carry with them for life, to consider active transportation are part of a regular routine. One that is healthier, and more sustainable for all.