Springing into the Saddle with Bikeability Scotland

“I was flabbergasted by how much the children’s cycling improved” Claire Fleming, a Primary School Teacher and Instructor from Jordanhill School said when describing how quickly the children at her school gained confidence and skills by taking part in the Bikeability Scotland programme.

“At first they can be a bit wobbly but it is amazing how quickly the children build their confidence once outside and on the saddle” she continued.

Claire Fleming re-ignited her own childhood love of cycling, eight years ago during the Commonwealth Games. 

“A friend and I got bikes and cycled Glasgow taking in the amazing array of activities on our doorstep and meeting visitors from all around the world.  Roads were closed to cars and it felt like we had freedom to see the city in a new way.

“I got the bug then and have continued cycling to the school where I work every day since and for fun at the weekends.  The positive outcomes of cycling are almost too many to mention. It keeps me fit and gives me breathing space each day on the way to and from work.  I definitely cycle for the feel-good factor but also it saves me money, especially with the rising fuel prices and need to be environmentally conscious. 

“I wanted to pass this passion for cycling on to the children so I signed up to be a Bikeabaility Instructor after the Commonwealth Games and went on an amazing training course at Glasgow Green, it was so well done, and I’ve been an Instructor for the Bikeability Scotland programme in our school ever since.

“I love watching the children learn outside, in the playground, by doing and experiencing.   This year we are working with P5’s and they are so enthusiastic. It’s an essential life skill cycling, like learning to swim, or how to cross the road.  Being on a bike gives the children the chance to cycle and more children then choose to cycle to school after they’ve been part of the programme. I love to see kids I have trained still cycling safely and confidently long after they have finished Bikeability.

“The skills and confidence that Bikeability gives children is totally transferable to other areas of their lives too. They have to think about others around them – how people driving and walking might behave. The children need to use their sense – road sense but common sense too - become good at observing, anticipating, thinking, being careful but also confident and practical.

“The spring and summer terms are ideal for it too. We take the children for Bikeability in the last school lesson of the day and the kids and I, hand on heart, love it. I have caught the cycling bug and I want to pass it on. Ever so occasionally, when I am busy, I have thought -  ‘agh I don’t have time for this’ -  but as soon as I am out with the children in the playground and then on the roads, as they develop, it is so rewarding.  Seeing them pass the programme and leave it able to cycle makes me so proud. What a gift to have given them. We all make time for what is important and this is so important.  I would recommend other teachers to sign up today, they won’t regret it and it keeps me cycling as I need to practise what I preach. Come on teachers, spring into that saddle and sign up today”.