National award for East Renfrewshire Council cycling scheme

The council's cycling scheme has been recognised for improving safety.

The Bikeability programme, which has been running for eight years, aims to give pupils the skills and confidence they need to cycle safely on roads.

Having been at the forefront of delivering the programme since 2010, the council has now been shortlisted in the Scottish Transport Awards for the ‘Best Practice in Travel to School and Work Scheme’ category.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, convener for environment, said: “This is fantastic recognition for the work that our staff in prevention services have put into growing and developing this scheme each year.

“Through our Bikeability programme we are able to provide our young people with a crucial skill which will service them well throughout their life.

“It also plays a key part in developing the council’s Active Travel Plan, giving children the skills they need to cycle safely to school.

“We are committed to ensuring every child has access to cycle training as a life skill, and want to encourage as many people as possible to cycle for every day journeys as we all know the fantastic health benefits this can provide.

“Having made the shortlist for this national award, hopefully we can go one step further and win this accolade.”

East Renfrewshire is one of only two local authorities in Scotland to have delivered the Level 2 cycle training to all of its 24 primary schools.