Schoolgirls urged to get on their bikes

Published on Monday 13 July 2009 10:59

SCHOOLGIRLS in Edinburgh are to be part of a two-year project to get encourage them to cycle to school at least once a week.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans will work with several secondary and primary schools in the Capital to increase the percentage of girls cycling to school from the national average of just 2 per cent up to 15 per cent.

The project has been awarded 230,000 by cycling industry organisation Bike Hub for cycle to school events, bike training and cycle maintenance for girls.

It is hoped the scheme will help tackle levels of obesity among girls and young women. Girls will also be given cycling fashion tips and advice on how to combat perspiration and "helmet hair".

Lynn Marshall of Sustrans Scotland, said: "Girls' increasing reluctance to take part in physical activity as they move into their teenage years is well known. If we can get them to be more active as part of their everyday journeys then it will have a huge impact on their health as they enter adulthood."