Bike Hub runs pilot programme in Barrhead primary schools

The sessions at Cross Arthurlie, St Mark’s, St John’s and Carlibar Primaries were designed to challenge children to take on a series of tricky professional cycle ramps and obstacles.

The pilot programme took place at each school on a Tuesday during March and will hopefully lead to a larger programme which will be launched in schools across the local authority after the summer.

The “massively fun, energetic and engaging sessions” were delivered in partnership with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s Active Schools team, young sports leaders from both Barrhead and St Luke’s High Schools, sportscotland and Scottish Cycling.

Steven Rutherford, the project manager of the Bike Hub which was set up to make cycling more accessible for all, told the Barrhead News: “The sense of achievement and confidence built in these sessions by many was really fantastic to witness.

“It was amazing to see the reaction of all of the kids, teachers and school staff.”

IM2C’s DJ Squirrel (Jamie Brownlie), a graduate from the Barrhead charity’s DJ Skool, also came along to play up-to-date hits and to allow kids the chance to dance around and have lots of fun.

As well as during the sessions, Jamie also played for the children during breaks and lunchtimes so pupils could enjoy a playground disco.

“We saw many kids dancing around and the looks of disbelief when they made it over a challenging obstacle and realised their achievement was remarkable," added Steven.

“We were all exhausted delivering these sessions, but so rewarded with the outpouring of positive comments from all.”