Youngsters saddle up after cycling pilot

Published on 12/07/2012 12:00

AN innovative scheme aimed at getting more pupils on their bikes, which was piloted at schools in the Capital, has won a Scottish Transport Award.

The 12 schools involved in I Bike reported an increase in the number of children cycling to class, as well as a fall in the number of those being driven.

Run by transport charity Sustrans in partnership with the city council, I Bike was launched in 2009. It is set to be rolled out to more schools across the Capital and to other local authorities following its success. Transport convener Councillor Lesley Hinds said: “Congratulations to all of those involved, it is fantastic to see that such an innovative project to encourage pupils to get out of cars and on to their bikes is paying off.

“Regular exercise improves the concentration of pupils in the classroom as well as keeping them fit and healthy. We will continue to work with organisations such as Sustrans to ensure that Edinburgh is as safe a city as possible for cyclists of all ages.”