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Pupils set to ride thanks to new bike libraries
29/03/2023
120 bikes will be delivered to six schools as part of a larger project to bring extra-curricular activities to pupils
Children at four Banbury schools will be able to get active on two wheels thanks to new bike libraries that are about to be installed.
Hanwell Fields, Orchard Fields, Longford Park and St Leonards will each take delivery of 20 bikes, which will be stored in secure new bike shelters. Two schools in Bicester will also benefit from the project. The bikes are being supplied by Cherwell District Council and British Cycling. They will belong to the schools who will decide whether they will be used for internal school clubs or lent out to families in the local community.
Helmets are also being provided for each bike, which will be stored in the bike library – a fixed storage unit, for which Cherwell District Council has supplied £70,000 for installation.
The bike libraries are part of a bigger project which will bring extra-curricular activities to pupils at 32 north Oxfordshire schools, thanks to a large government funding award from the Opening School Facilities Fund – part of a total investment of £500,000 for the county.
Cherwell District Council is working with North Oxfordshire School Sports Partnership and Active Oxfordshire to support schools in opening up their facilities outside of the normal school day.
Schools have been applying to fund the projects they want to see delivered in their areas, based on a series of options offered by Cherwell, including swimming, outdoor gym equipment, and Youth Activators breakfast clubs.
Heidi Yates, Cherwell’s British Cycling community developer, said: “Cycling does wonders for young people’s health and wellbeing, and through British Cycling’s close relationship with Cherwell District Council, we’ve been able to make the most of this great funding opportunity to deliver six bike libraries at schools in Banbury and Bicester.
“The bikes will be used to build young people’s confidence on two wheels and as part of the offer I will be delivering training courses to the teachers and volunteers so that they in turn can pass safe cycling skills on to pupils.”
Councillor Phil Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “Each of the schools that has applied to us has its own vision for how the Opening School Facilities Fund can deliver for them. Whether it be through our existing partnership with British Cycling, or through the work of our Youth Activators, I am determined that the council will play a big part in helping children access a greater variety of activities during evenings, weekdays and holidays.
“It is a testament to the strength of the relationships that we have with our partner organisations that we are driving forward this trailblazing work which will make so much difference to local families and children.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam