Clackmannanshire Council Online

Stunt Bikers Thrilling Show

Cycling Scotland has once again teamed up with the country's coolest stunt cycling team, The Riderz, to remind all drivers across Clackmannanshire to look out for children cycling to school as part of the national Give Me Cycle Space campaign.

In Clackmannanshire 11% of schools delivered Bikeability Scotland on-road cycle training in the 2011/2012 academic year. Bikeability Scotland is a programme designed to give young people the road skills required to make independent bike journeys. Three schools in Clackmannanshire have also gained Cycle Friendly School Award status.

With these pupils and more gearing up to cycle over the lighter and warmer summer months, Give Me Cycle Space aims to tackle parents' fear of letting their children cycle on roads with motorists encouraged to be more aware and considerate of young cyclists.

The Riderz were performing their stunts at Park Primary, Alloa on Wednesday 8th May and chatting with the kids about cycling and why it is the best mode of transport to and from school.

Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: "With so many pupils across Clackmannanshire undertaking their Bikeability Scotland training, it is essential that we encourage drivers in the area to be aware of children cycling on the roads and ensure they allow them enough space.

"Following last year's campaign, nearly two-thirds of parents reported that they felt more confident about their children cycling to school. This is a great step forward in allowing kids in Clackmannanshire to enjoy the huge benefits of regular cycling, safe in the knowledge that drivers will be conscious of youngsters and give them plenty of room to make an easy and safe journey to and from school."

Clackmannanshire Council's Education Convener, Councillor Ellen Forson said: "As well as the excitement of watching the top stunt cyclists in action, and the fun element, the events included a host of activities for the children, which informed the children on how to look after their own bikes and how to ride them better and more safely.

"We really hope the children and staff at both Park Primary, on 8th May, and the following day at Tillicoultry Primary, made the most of the days and enjoyed, what I am sure was a unique atmosphere of a stunt team visiting their schools. The events were very visual, but at the same time extremely informative.

"It is the ideal way to launch Give Me Cycle Space in Clackmannanshire."

Leader of The Riderz, Iain Withers, added; "We tour schools across Scotland on a regular basis promoting cycling as a fun way to keep fit and active. We were nominated for Best Educational Event at the UK Event Awards 2012 and this year we are going to some areas of Scotland that we have not been to previously and have also added more schools to the tour. In order to create a safe environment for young cyclists it's essential that drivers are made aware of the need to give them adequate space on the road. The Give Me Cycle Space campaign carries a vitally important message and I'm delighted The Riderz are able to support it during our tour."