All 90 primary schools in Dumfries and Galloway deliver Bikeability Scotland on-road cycle training for first time
Dumfries and Galloway has become the latest local authority in Scotland to deliver Bikeability Scotland Level 2 on-road cycle training in all of its primary schools.
All 90 primary schools across Dumfries and Galloway delivered on-road cycle training last year. The local authority was joined by Midlothian, Moray and Perth & Kinross in achieving this for the first time in 2024-25, in a year which saw more than 53,000 pupils take part in the training across Scotland and more schools participate than ever before.
Bikeability Scotland helps to increase road safety awareness in young people, giving them the confidence and skills to travel safely by bike. Free for pupils, it’s funded and co-ordinated by Cycling Scotland, in a long-term partnership with local authorities, through grant funding from Transport Scotland.
For schools, the training is an effective way of delivering Curriculum for Excellence outcomes, offering outdoor learning opportunities, and supporting attainment.
Among Dumfries and Galloway’s schools to have seen the impact of Bikeability Scotland cycle training first-hand, is Springholm Primary School, in rural Kirkcudbrightshire.
“It helped me to learn how to ride a bike for the first time. I am really glad we had this chance. I used to be the only one of my friends who couldn’t ride a bike, but now I can.”
Louise Campbell, Principal Teacher and P5-7 Teacher at Springholm Primary School, said: “Our P6 and P7 pupils have taken part in Bikeability Scotland cycle training for several years now and it’s something they always look forward to. Bikeability is important to us because we live in a rural area and see cycling as a great way for our pupils to travel independently. We recognise cycling as being great for our pupils’ wellbeing too. Promoting sustainable travel like cycling is important to us as a school.”
“It has been wonderful to see our pupils go from strength to strength, developing their skills and confidence in cycling. They particularly enjoyed the longer bike ride during the last session, and this provided them with an excellent opportunity to explore their local area. Overall Bikeability has been a fantastic experience for them.”
Blake, a P6 pupil at the school, said: “It helped me to learn how to ride a bike for the first time. I am really glad we had this chance. I used to be the only one of my friends who couldn’t ride a bike, but now I can.”
10 miles away at Laurieknowe Primary School in the centre of Dumfries, staff and pupils shared their thoughts on the impact of the training.
Ross Newlands, Principal Teacher at Laurieknowe Primary School in Dumfries, described the impact of the cycle training on the school’s pupils: “The main highlights have been the increase in pupils choosing to cycle to school, and the confidence in which they are doing this. They’re enthused to return the following week for the next session, which has contributed to a positive shift in their attitudes to cycling.”
“My message to other schools across the country would be: Do it! The pupils get so much from the sessions, not only improving confidence and abilities in cycling, but developing so many soft skills like resilience, communication and problem solving. Ultimately, they work on something they can use for the rest of their lives.”
Poppy, a P7 pupil at Laurieknowe Primary, shared the impact the training has had on her: “I wasn’t confident riding a bike before I started Bikeability. But the instructors made me feel so much more comfortable.”
Matthew, a fellow P7 pupil at Laurieknowe, added: “I used to do mountain biking and found road cycling more challenging, learning about the rules of the road. By doing Bikeability training I feel much better and safer on the road now.”
Cllr Tracey Little, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee said: “We are extremely proud of our small but dedicated team here in Dumfries and Galloway. Active travel is a key commitment for our council, but allowing people of all ages to do so safely is also clearly a key consideration. By teaching our children how to cycle safely, we are well on our way to achieving this and I am delighted that uptake is so high within our school settings.”
Half a million young people in Scotland have completed Bikeability Scotland cycle training since it started in schools in 2011, with more schools now delivering the national standard cycle training than ever before. Additionally, results from a three-year, independent evaluation with pupils across Scotland show a clear link between the training and increased knowledge, skills and cycling frequency, and a greater impact in areas of higher deprivation.
David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager, said: “It’s brilliant to see Bikeability Scotland cycle training reach every school in Dumfries and Galloway this past academic year. It means more young people gaining essential lifelong skills, and being supported to live healthier, happier, more active and independent lives.
"Together with building networks of dedicated, safe cycle lanes, Bikeability Scotland training is essential to supporting children to cycle. We want to congratulate the council, as well as all schools, coordinators and instructors across Dumfries and Galloway on this brilliant achievement, which is delivering clear results and setting up its young people for success in the future.
