Lancaster schools saddle up for Bike Week

Four schools around Lancaster took part in cycle-encouraging activity as part of last week’s Team Green Britain Bike Week.

Led by Sustrans, the four schools saw activities ranging from maintenance workshops to cycle skills training and organised bike rides.

On Wednesday June 23rd, parents and children took part in a two-hour family bike ride from Silverdale Primary School to Leighton Moss, wisely avoiding an England world cup game. The school also saw workshop maintenance workshops for all children aged between nine and 11.

Thursday June 24th saw pupils from Cathedral Primary School learn how to look after their bikes, while 75 children from St Luke’s School in Skerton cycled to school for a bikers breakfast – a free healthy breakfast for all children that biked in. Pupils also took part in cycle skills workshops, while Dr Bike gave pupil’s bicycles a checkup.

Morecambe’s St Mary’s Primary School finished Bike Week with an organised bike ride.

“The bike week was full of action – all of the children really enjoyed it,” praised Annie Cousins, new Sustrans Bike It officer for Lancaster. “It’s great to see them having so much fun whilst learning and improving on such a brilliant life skill – cycling.”

Cousins recently joined Kathy Bashford – who has worked with local schools since early 2006 to encourage pupils to get to school via cycling or walking. 

Cousins added: “The pupils really thrive on the freedom and independence they get from cycling to school under their own power – not only is it great for their health, it’s great for the environment too.”