Schools praised for great work on scooters and in the saddle

Date: 
Monday, 25 September, 2017


Scooter and pedal power has helped secure Cycle Friendly Secondary School status for Turnbull High.

Scotland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Gregor Smith, recently visited the Bishopbriggs school to see the good work for himself.

Schools throughout East Dunbartonshire are encouraging youngsters and employees to use active travel - as part of the curriculum and for journeys to and from school.

Cycling Scotland has rewarded Turnbull's efforts - supported by Sustrans' I Bike scheme and East Dunbartonshire Council - with Cycle Friendly Secondary School status for three years.

Councillor Mohrag Fischer, Convener of Education, said, "Well done to all at Turnbull High School for their work to promote cycling and scooting among pupils and staff.

"It is great to see all the opportunities on offer and plans for more in the future. As an authority we are committed to supporting our youngsters to use active travel - particularly to and from school.

"As well as helping to improve health and wellbeing, using cycles and scooters is fun."

Headteacher Eileen Kennedy said, "We were delighted to receive Cycle Friendly Secondary School status for the next three years and were also pleased to recently host a visit by Scotland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, who wanted to see the good work for himself.

"Our young people make great use of cycles and scooters - reflecting the school's efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles among pupils and staff."

Dr Smith was impressed by work at Turnbull High and Meadowbank Primary.

He said, "It was fantastic to watch these schools use scooters to increase the level of activity, co-ordination and co-operation between children in a very inclusive and innovative way.

"The children told me how much fun they had and it was very clear that they enjoyed the sessions - something that is absolutely key in ensuring that they will stay physically active in the future.

"One of the most encouraging aspects of my visit was witnessing the commitment and positive relationship between the pupils, school staff and Sustrans. Not only were the pupils enjoying getting outside and active, but so were the adults too."

Sustrans I Bike Officer Donald Macdonald added, "I was delighted that Dr Smith could come along and see how cycling and scooting in East Dunbartonshire has grabbed the imagination of not just the children, but also teachers and headteachers.

"It is well recognised that there are benefits from being active that transfer into the classroom to help children learn - cycling and scooting is just much more fun."

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Pictured (top): Pupils and representatives of the school, with Cllr Fischer (middle) and local councillors.

Pictured (below): Dr Smith with youngsters during his visit to Meadowbank.