On Sunday, 05 October, local school children attended RIDONKULOUS - Featuring Gowaan Kids Bike Fest at Wilton Lodge Park in Hawick, a fun-filled celebration of active travel.
Family fun and bike riding tutorials
The event gave children the chance to learn new riding skills, join a family treasure hunt, get creative with arts and crafts, benefit from free bike maintenance from Teri Bikes, and watch an impressive display from professional riders. The day wrapped up with awards and a prize draw.
RIDONKULOUS ambassadors
As part of the RIDONKULOUS campaign, children in Hawick and the surrounding area were invited to apply to be Agents of Change, local ambassadors for active travel. Those selected were invited to the event as VIPs, receiving a cool RIDONKULOUS hoodie and a bundle of goodies to help them travel actively.
Upcoming events
As part of the RIDONKULOUS campaign, school age children are also invited to take part in free Learn2Ride sessions at Wilton Lodge Park, running from 10am – 4pm throughout October and November.
These are free drop-in sessions, so there’s no need to book, and kids can turn up with their own bike and helmet or borrow equipment on the day.
The sessions offer a fun and supportive space to learn cycling skills, build confidence, and help children feel safe and ready to ride. More information can be found on the Gowaan MTB Facebook page.
What is RIDONKULOUS?
The RIDONKULOUS campaign has been funded by Scottish Borders Council through the Scottish Government’s People and Place programme, which is administered in the south-east by SEStran and will encourage and enable active travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling, for everyday journeys, wherever possible.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Executive Member for Environment & Transport
“The RIDONKULOUS campaign is a fantastic initiative for Hawick and the surrounding area giving children the chance to explore active modes of travel through engaging events and hands-on sessions.
“By encouraging them to build new skills and become more confident riding a bike, we’re setting them up for healthier lifestyles that will benefit them well into adulthood.”
Max Brown, a RIDONKULOUS Agent of Change and P3 pupil at Trinity Primary School
“I am really excited to be a RIDONKULOUS Agent of Change. I love my new scooter and I have been riding it to school every day. I love spending time outside and the park is brilliant for using my new scooter and going fast.”