Avoch School's Cycling Superheroes' success

26 March 2014

Avoch Primary School achieved super results in the 2014 Sustrans “Big Pedal” challenge. For 2 weeks in March pupils, parents and staff cycled and scooted in to school as many times as they could. The numbers taking part were recorded every day and allowed Avoch to compete with other schools throughout the UK – finally coming in 72nd place out of 1056 schools.

Deputy Head Julie Dick said “Everyone did really well and really enjoyed the challenge. We were delighted to be the 11th best school in Scotland, especially as so many of our pupils are usually bussed to school, so some were cycling around 3km each way along the old railway line from Fortrose to Avoch.”



Local charity Transition Black Isle’s Million Miles project helped to organise the daily accompanied cycle. Parent and community cycle trainer, Shirley Kelly organised the “Bike Bus” from Fortrose to Avoch which on the final day of the challenge saw around 50 pupils and 15 adults cycling along the scenic route. "It was an amazing effort by everyone involved and the Bike Bus was only made possible by the great commitment and enthusiasm of the parents, teachers and other adults who helped on a daily basis. It demonstrates what is possible when people are motivated and prepared to dedicate a bit of their time to such beneficial activities".

Project officer Marion McDonald said: “It was fantastic to see so many pupils keen to take part in the Bike Bus which provided a safe, accompanied cycle to school – and also great to see the older kids cycling independently along the route – arriving at school really energised and ready to start the day.“

Avoch Primary staff and pupils have been working hard to promote active travel to school, encourage healthy lifestyles and improve the road safety in the area and were recently awarded the title of “Cycle Friendly School” by Cycling Scotland, the national organisation which promotes more active travel by bike.