BRAND-NEW bikes have been appearing in Dunfermline primary schools as part of an exciting new project to get more youngsters cycling.

Bikes have been offered to primary schools in the Dunfermline and South West Fife area and so far, six primary schools are taking part – with more bikes being delivered across the area by April.

The 32 new bikes are being enjoyed by local school children with another 70 planned to be distributed by April. Bikeability cycle training is also being rolled out to support the delivery of two hours of quality PE for Primary 6 pupils.

Bikeability is the updated cycling proficiency training, along with a few improvements, and is designed to give children the skills and confidence they need to cycle safely on today’s roads.

Dr Bob McLellan, head of transportation and environment, said, “Many schools in the Dunfermline area are already committed to deliver Bikeability cycle training with their pupils and they have thoroughly enjoyed taking part.

“However, the uptake in the town can always be improved and not all pupils are currently getting training.

“Through this partnership project with Sustrans, we have been able to provide bikes, cycle helmets and training for teachers to deliver Bikeability to help remove many barriers and so encourage more children to cycle more often.

“These bikes can be kept in schools. It provides an ideal opportunity to better integrate cycling within the PE curriculum and further develop Bikeability cycle training within schools and the wider community.” In 2014, the council’s transportation and environment department successfully bid for £2.4million of funding from Sustrans to help promote and encourage cycling in Fife.Through related walking and cycling initiatives (including funding from the Dunfermline town centre improvement fund), the council has been able to match this award. This is allowing the council to provide a significant investment for cycling during the two years of the project. As well as cycle training, the project is delivering new and improved cycle routes throughout the town, along with more secure cycle parking at key locations.

Councillor Helen Law, chair of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said, “Fife Council has been at the forefront of encouraging people to cycle for over 20 years.

“We have a great and expanding network of cycleways and have continually encouraged people to cycle more often. Teaching our children good cycling skills is part of this and it’s vital to encourage them to cycle safely.” The pilot is running in Camdean, Canmore, Commercial, St Margarets, St Johns and Pitcorthie primary schools.

More bikes have been ordered for a further five schools (Kings Road, Tulliallan, Lynburn, Masterton and Touch).