Published on:
17
June 2013
A survey in the autumn is expected to show an increase in the number of people in Clackmannanshire who will be travelling to school by bike rather than car.
Enterprise and Environment Convener Councillor Donald Balsillie said: "Sustrans organise a survey in September each year to see how many people travel to school other than by car and this year it is expected to see an increase in travel by cycle."
The survey will follow on from the hugely successful nationwide campaign Give Me Cycle Space.
Councillor Balsillie added: "In Clackmannanshire we have played our part in this nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the benefits and safety needs of cycling with a great deal of activity going on in primary schools both in Clackmannanshire and throughout the county."
The main message of the Give Me Cycle Space theme over the past six weeks is "give me as much space as you would give a car."
Throughout the campaign within Clackmannanshire there has been Bikeability training in schools and the awareness campaign have seen posters displayed on lamp posts, bus shelters and banners and feather flags in schools. There has also been cycling courses and Cycle Friendly School Awards, Dr Bike sessions, bike hire on offer and a visit to two schools by the Riderz stunt team.
The stunt team performed a series of amazing tricks on bikes at both Park Primary School and Tillicoultry Primary, and were joined at the displays by hundreds of children along with Education Convener Councillor Ellen Forson and Councillor Balsillie.
Fifteen schools within Clackmannanshire have been delivering Bikeability training, with 274 pupils progressing the first stage and a further 67 moving into stage two.
CTA training, which checks over the suitability of bikes and any necessary repairs to make them safer, have also been on offer with the help of 26 assistants.
There has also been several training sessions being run for the PE staff at Lornshill Academy to enable them to deliver cycling, especially 'Go Mountain Bike' to their pupils next academic year.