Despite the rainy start to the day, pupils at Orchid Vale Primary School in Swindon put on their helmets and hopped on their bikes and scooters for this year’s Cycle to School Week. Dozens of children, accompanied by staff, parents, and carers, braved the damp conditions to take part in the initiative aimed at promoting a healthier and more environmentally friendly way of commuting to school.
Cycle to School Week, organised by the government-funded Bikeability Trust, is part of a nationwide push to improve road safety and encourage more active travel for children. With nearly 19,000 pupils across the UK having participated in the Get Cycling in Schools programme, the initiative is already making an impact on young riders.
At Orchid Vale, the event was met with enthusiasm. The morning was filled with laughter, as pupils rode alongside friends, sharing tips on cycling safely while gaining confidence in their cycling abilities.
Head Teacher Ruth Lee was pleased with the turnout, stating: “Everyone really enjoyed joining up with friends and families for the ride to school. Cycling to school is a great way to get to class and is healthier and better for the environment. The children get a lot of confidence from riding with others and they also learn about road safety at the same time.”
The event not only encouraged children to make cycling a regular part of their school routine but also gave parents and carers a chance to discuss road safety and the advantages of cycling together as a family.
With Swindon’s growing support for active travel and safe cycling routes, events like these are helping to build a safer, healthier community.
