Campaign will urge East Ayrshire school kids to get on their bikes

Apr 24 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

A CAMPAIGN is underway in East Ayrshire to encourage children to cycle to school – and to urge drivers in to make way for them.

Cycling Scotland is setting up ‘Cycle Friendly Zones’ around local schools where drivers are asked to give kids on bikes as much space as possible. They hope to reduce apprehension amongst parents about allowing kids to cycle to school.

According to a recent survey, over 90 per cent of children own a bike. Over a third would like to cycle to school, but only one per cent actually do so. Encouraging your children to cycle to school is a great way for them to keep fit and gain skills like risk assessment.

Street teams will be visiting East Ayrshire schools in May to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling. Each school will hold a Cycle to School Day, and some will receive a visit from Scotland’s top cycle stunt team The Riderz.