
St. Matthew's Magnificent 'Cycling' Seven
Seven cycling scholars from St. Matthew’s Primary School, Bishopbriggs, took part in this year’s Pedal for Scotland, Cycling Scotland’s annual bike ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh on Sunday, 13th Sept. This year’s participation was up 25% on last year, with more than 7,000 people taking part from all over Scotland.
Alexander Forrester, P7 pupil said, “I really wanted to ride this years Pedal for Scotland as I have been taking part in the monthly School Cycle Club sessions at the Leisuredrome. I’ve built my confidence by riding around the local area, but now that I’ve done Glasgow to Edinburgh I feel I can ride just about anywhere. I love riding to school everyday, it‘s much better by bike and helps me keep fit.”
St. Matthew’s Primary School was the first in East Dunbartonshire to receive a Cycle Friendly School Award. Last year only one pupil completed the 50-mile trip, but following the award and the development of a School Cycle Club another six pupils took part and received their well-earned medals. The school hope that many more will take up the challenge in the coming years and encourage more children to take a healthy and environmentally friendly way to school.
St. Matthew’s Primary School has recently won an £18,777 grant from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund to encourage more people to take to their bikes over the next two years, especially addressing the school run. The funding has enabled the club to provide professional practical instruction in cycle skills, bike maintenance, and First Aid as well as taking participants on guided local rides looking at the natural and cultural heritage of East Dunbartonshire. The school is also working with East Dunbartonshire Council to develop a cycle map, utilizing these local routes, to highlighting off road family rides.
Many of the Magnificent ‘Cycling’ Seven who completed the Pedal for Scotland event, cycle to school everyday. They can clock up as many as 400 miles a year on their bikes, just from travelling one mile to and from school each weekday.
The St Matthew’s pupils also got to meet Scottish stunt riding sensation Danny MacAskill and ride his bike following their efforts.
Encouraging more people to cycle is good for their health and also great news for everyone’s environment. Encouraging pupils to cycle to school is especially beneficial, easing congestion and improving air quality for the pupils around the school at these critical times. It also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to Climate Change on a global level.
Photo, from left to right: Beth Cowie, Patrick Kiehlmann, Alexander Forrester, Anna Begen, Rachel McNair, Josh Holland, Abbey Begen.