The boy who smiled for the first time at school after getting on a bike in pioneering scheme
”Incredible” response to novel project to introduce children with support needs to cycling
A boy with complex support needs has smiled for the first time at his school after taking part in an innovative cycling project in Clackmannanshire.
It has also prompted children who had previously not spoken at school to ask to go faster whilst out on the bikes.
Organisers said these came among many “incredible” responses from the youngsters to the scheme, which has enabled pupils at two schools in Alloa to take to two wheels on adapted bikes.
One of the head teachers said the Riding Beyond Limits sessions had transformed the children’s lives, improving their confidence and making them happier and calmer.
More than 60 pupils have benefited from the scheme at Alloa Academy and Lochies School in nearby Sauchie, for primary-aged children with profound, multiple, severe and complex additional support needs.
Emma, an Alloa Academy pupil, said: “I love going fast. I’d like to do more of it. I like the wind in my face.”
FEL Scotland, the former Forth Environment Link, which launched the trial with Clackmannanshire Council, hopes it will be repeated in other Scottish schools.
It will continue in Alloa following the success of the eight-week pilot.
The fleet of trikes, side-by-side tandem cycles. and cargo bikes with space to secure a power wheelchair, were funded by the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership co-ordinating body, the council and Cycling UK.
Linda McCloy, an extended additional support needs class teacher at Alloa Academy, said: “One of our pupils didn’t smile for the first year he was here.
“We thought he was so ill that he’d lost the ability to smile. But when he was taken round on the bike, he smiled for the first time.”
One child was able to take supported steps to reach their standing frame following a trike ride, while another youngster’s oxygen levels increased from 82 to 100 per cent during the sessions.
Donna Wheater, headteacher at Lochies School, said: “It’s been incredible to see how the programme has transformed our young learners.
“Their confidence has grown session by session, and they come back into class happier, calmer and more engaged.
“With the adapted bikes allowing every pupil to take part, the children are developing independence, coordination and safety awareness. But most of all, they’re discovering the simple joy of cycling.”
The scheme was created after FEL Scotland senior project officer Drew Taylor identified a gap in adaptive cycling provision for such pupils.
He said: “These bikes are specially customised to meet each child’s needs.
“The children are now enjoying a freedom most of us take for granted.
“We’ve proven that this approach works. The next step is to broaden the scope so that more schools can offer the same life-changing experience.”
Robbie Stewart, senior manager (sport and leisure) at Clackmannanshire Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the substantial positive impact this provision has had on pupil's physical and mental wellbeing.
“This project is a great example of Clackmannanshire's Family Wellbeing Partnership in action, bringing together multiple services and organisations to remove barriers and deliver brilliant outcomes for our children and young people."
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