School pool bike scheme launches

Loughborough’s first ever school pool bike scheme is to be launched on Monday.

Leicestershire County Council will present Shelthorpe Primary School with 10 refurbished bicycles in a bid to encourage youngsters and their families to use alternative healthy ways to travel to and from school.

The bikes, which were refurbished after County Hall staff were invited to donate old or unwanted cycles, can also be borrowed by youngsters and families in their spare time so they can make general journeys or ride for leisure.

The council has also installed new bike lockers containing a range of cycling aids to support the scheme including cycle helmets and bike pumps. Two toddlers’ tricycles, also donated by council staff, will be presented to the SureStart Centre which is on the same site.

Jackie Dickinson, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, who will be launching the scheme said: “We are delighted to be launching the pool bike scheme at Shelthorpe Primary School.

“Using a bike to get to and from school is not only fun, but it also helps cut fuel costs, encourages fitness and enables youngsters and their families to do their bit for the environment too.

“We hope this scheme and the bikeability sessions that the school participates in will also ensure children will become more confident and feel safer when cycling.”

Lindsey Dixon, deputy head teacher at Shelthorpe Primary School, said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our school and our community.

“Our Star Travel Champions have worked hard to promotethisevent and we are looking forward to the children, parents and staff inhiring the bikes out.”

The school pool bike scheme is the first to be launched in a Loughborough school and the second to be established in the county – the first was launched at Eastfield Primary School in Thurmaston last year.

The bicycles were refurbished by Leicester based Future Cycles.

For more on Leicestershire County Council’s Choose How You Move Scheme, which aims to encourage people to get fit, have fun, save money and do their bit for the environment at the same time, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/choosehowyoumove

ENDS