Wellbeing boost for Clacks kids as charity launches 250 bike pilot
250 Clackmannanshire children aged 10-12 are to be invited to take part in a pilot project offering them a free bike, as well as essential cycling skills training and bike maintenance support.
Article Source: Forth Environment Link
Last Updated: 13 October 2021 9:59
WELLBEING BOOST FOR CLACKS KIDS AS CHARITY LAUNCHES 250 BIKE PILOT
250 Clackmannanshire children aged 10-12 are to be invited to take part in a pilot project offering them a free bike, as well as essential cycling skills training and bike maintenance support.
Any child attending a primary school in the Lornshill Academy catchment area will be eligible to take part in Forth Environment Link’s new ‘Bike Buddies’ scheme, funded by the Scottish Government.
The charity’s Active Travel Development Manager Shirley Paterson said: “This new initiative is aimed at giving young people the biking confidence and competence to make cycling part of their everyday lives as they transition to secondary school.
“The final years of primary school are an important time for establishing healthy behaviours that have the potential to last into secondary school and beyond, boosting the wellbeing of our young people in the long term.”
The Bike Buddies pilot will be run by Forth Environment Link in conjunction with Clackmannanshire Council, Recyke-a-Bike and Active Clacks. The roll out will also be supported by local community groups and out of school holiday clubs.
Councillor Graham Lindsay, Clackmannanshire Council’s Spokesperson for Education added: “I’m absolutely delighted to see Clackmannanshire schools involved in this pilot programme. This will build on the work the Council has already done to make active travel a safe and easy option for our young people.
“Last year we constructed two new paths around Lornshill as part of our work to encourage active and healthy lives, and I hope that pupils who will be moving on to secondary school will take advantage of the Bike Buddies project and improve their confidence on bikes.”
The new scheme was launched at Lornshill Academy Tuesday 12 October, with mountain bikes, adaptive bikes and a pump track available for families to try.
Lee Craigie, Active Nation Commissioner for Scotland, was on hand at the launch to share her top tips with youngsters looking to walk and cycle more.
Lee said: “When I was growing up my bike was my single most important possession. It gave me freedom to explore and confidence in my own physicality. It helped nurture friendships and opened up possibilities for connection with nature. But I was lucky. Not all children grow up with access to a bike and with someone willing to teach them how and where to ride it. Bike Buddies is an invaluable project that will ensure more children are given equal opportunities to weave all the benefits that bike riding can bring into their futures.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Young people at HMP & YOI Polmont crown top dog in Stirling
Young people at HMP & YOI Polmont crown ‘Captain Chaos’ Layton as Stirling’s top dog in Thistles’ photography competition
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Stirling Visitor Levy Scheme approved
Stirling Council has approved a visitor levy scheme that will enable major new investment in the area’s tourism offering.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling announce Longlist for 2026 Stirling Business Awards
The Go Forth team has announced the longlist for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards as voting begins to choose the winners of the annual honours.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Young Stirlingshire golfers follow in footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes
Two young golfers from Stirlingshire are aiming to make history in Portugal in December when they tee off in the 2025 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Bridge of Allan restaurant launches festive feast Take Home Christmas Box
The Meadowpark, one of Bridge of Allan’s most popular family restaurants, is bringing the magic of festive dining to homes around Stirling this Christmas.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
BID Launches Drop In Business Hour Session for Stirling Business Community
Go Forth Stirling has launched a new initiative for the city’s business community giving them the opportunity to consult with the BID team and other partners.
READ MORE
Residents and businesses invited to Forthside project drop in event
A drop-in session is being held on Friday (21 November) for local residents and businesses to learn more about the major redevelopment at Forthside.
READ MORE
Residents and businesses across Stirling urged to get ready for winter
Residents and businesses across Stirling are being urged to get ready for the impacts of wintry weather as the council steps up its preparations to keep people safe in adverse conditions.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links