Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Pupils leading way with new ‘cycle bus’
NEWTYLE primary pupils have got on board a bike bus which it is hoped could become a safe and healthy commute for kids across the area.
The youngsters have piloted the idea in the village and it has proved to be a runaway success.
And those behind the scheme hope funding can be found to keep it going – and expand to other schools.
Around 20 youngsters regularly join the cycle bus.
It operates on a set route, with timetabled stops along the way.
Newtyle is among a growing number of Angus schools to be traffic-free zones at the start and end of the day.
But while the cycle bus has a relatively easy ride on the quiet streets in the primary’s immediate vicinity, youngsters have learned to cope with traffic in the wider village.
It has included tackling the busy Dundee Road, with Police Scotland joining the pilot on a couple of occasion to help its success.
Angus Cycle Hub, Angus Council and Smarter Choices, Smarter Places backed the project.
Angus and Dundee Cycle Hub development officer Kirsty Baxter said Newtyle pupils and parents got right behind the idea.
“We launched the cycle bus at Newtyle on Mondays and it’s been really popular,” said Kirsty.
“We always have at least three qualified leaders from the hub there, but parents have also been involved,” added Kirsty.
“The best way to make this sustainable is to get parents involved.
“We really hope we can keep it going.
“There is a big push towards active travel
Kirsty added: “From the feedback, parents say their children’s increased confidence and road safety sense is one of the outcomes.
“That can only be good for the kids and their parents.”