Dyke Primary School aims to continue bike bus transport project next term

“All aboard!” - A cycling scheme in a Moray village is encouraging families to make healthier, greener school runs.

Dyke Primary’s headteacher Mrs Hayley Burns came up with the idea for a ‘bike bus’ for pupils running on Mondays from the Lidl car park via Broom-of-Moy, Earnhill Farm and Kintessack.

She explained: “As a keen cyclist, I often cycle to and from work. I wanted to enthuse a love of cycling across the school and began to think about how we could offer more active travel.

“There are a number of quieter rural roads between Forres and Dyke so I approached our parent council and a committee was formed.”

For safety reasons, pupils joining are accompanied by a parent or nominated responsible adult.

One parent who uses the bike bus said: “It’s fun and builds friendships but at the same time gears attending pupils up to becoming independent and healthy.

“It’s great to see everyone gain confidence and the ability to judge situations, as well as make decisions accordingly.”

The first bike bus at the end of May saw 19 pupils and 12 parents cycling from Forres to Dyke, with families joining along the way.

After four Mondays, 189 journeys were made by cyclists, covering a distance of more than 1000km.

“That’s the equivalent of about 475 trees planted,” added Mrs Burns, “according to the Carbon Emissions Offset Calculator.”

The number of participants has remained high each week since and it is hoped that the event will continue after the summer holidays.

Youngest rider, Aoife Brown, age 5, cycles with her dad and brother.

Blake Finlay, age 7, also rides with his older brother and parents.

He said: “I like to be near the front!”

Ellie Edgar, age 10, who enjoys cycling with her friends added: “I have more energy for the day after cycling to school.”

Struan Davidson, age 6, said: “I like it because it makes my legs stronger.”

Mrs Burns confirmed the bikers arrive at school around 10 minutes before the start of the school day.

She finished: “It’s been great to see so many pupils of all ages riding their bikes to and from school every Monday.

“There’s a real sense of camaraderie and pupils are learning to navigate rural roads and junctions, and cycle alongside traffic, under careful supervision.”