CAMPAIGNERS for more ‘Bike Buses’ across Worcester have vowed to saddle up and deliver more routes for youngsters following a city council cash injection.
Bike Buses support and encourage children and their parents to cycle to school each week on an organised route as part of a bid to reduce traffic and air pollution from cars. Volunteer leaders co-ordinate the groups setting off safely and crossing carefully at junctions
Having proved a social media sensation with its North Worcester Primary Academy scheme, Bike Worcester has now revealed the funding boost will enable the creation of Bike Buses at six more city primary schools.
The group has already set up six routes at four schools in Worcester at North Worcester Primary Academy, St Georges RC Primary School, St Barnabas CE Primary and Redhill Primary.
These schools even took on the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel Challenge at the end of last month, with St Georges RC Primary School operating their Bike Bus every day for two whole weeks.
Bike Worcester will now be able to provide support for more schools in the city to help establish Bike Buses, with additional equipment, such as high-vis tabards for riders and group leaders.
They will work closely with schools to develop custom routes, the training of parent volunteers to form a protective cordon of bikes around the group and publicity to set up and grow successful programmes.
Danny Brothwell, chair of Bike Worcester said: “We are grateful to Worcester City Council for their support with helping us to create more Bike Buses, promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable way of getting about.
“The Bike Buses will benefit pupils and their families, but also the wider community by reducing air pollution and promoting healthy active lifestyles.
“It’s been really heartening to see parents who haven’t been on a bike for years, regaining confidence and everyone involved agrees it’s a really joyful start to the day.”
Lukas Kalnozols, 10, takes part in the Lansdowne Park Bike Bus to get to St Georges RC Primary School.
He said “I love doing Bike Bus each week, especially after I got my new bike for my birthday. It’s lots of fun and sometimes we even have bicycle themed music playing from one of the bikes.”
It’s also helped Lukas’ mum, Egija, to build her confidence on the roads and start to cycle to work.
Bike Worcester organises regular events for families and adults and welcomes new members from all parts of the community.
Visit www.bikeworcester.org.uk for more including advice and support about starting a Bike Bus.
