Thanks to Scottish Borders Council’s RIDONKULOUS active travel campaign, almost 150 school-aged children attended Learn2Ride sessions, with many returning for multiple sessions.
RIDONKULOUS campaign helping build confidence and improve cycling skills
Max Robertson, aged seven, was one of those who took part in free Learn2Ride sessions and now he’s brimming with confidence and proudly cycles to Wilton Primary School.
For a long time Max felt anxious about riding his bike and did everything he could to avoid it, he attended Learn2Ride sessions over four weekends at Wilton Lodge Park in September and October, which gave him the confidence and skills to become a proficient cyclist.
Max also applied to be an Agent of Change for the campaign and was selected alongside almost 50 other pupils and teachers across seven primary schools and Hawick High School.
Max said: “My favourite thing about the RIDONKULOUS Learn2Ride sessions was how we were shown how to do everything in easy steps. It made learning fun and helped me feel confident on my bike. I’ve even asked Santa for a new bike this Christmas so I can keep riding.”
Young ambassadors helping inspire peers by championing active travel
Rosemary Logan, a P3 pupil at Drumlanrig Primary School is proudly taking on the role of Agent of Change, championing walking, wheeling and cycling for short everyday journeys. Rising to the challenge, Rosemary created vibrant, eye-catching posters to inspire classmates and the wider community to get involved.
Rosemary said: “I have made and put up posters around Hawick and my school. I'm really proud of them. I even stood up and spoke to my whole class about walking, wheeling, and cycling more.”
Agents of Change Thea and Max Brown, P3 and P5, hadn’t used their bikes at all this year, until August when Max received a free scooter and helmet as part of a RIDONKULOUS giveaway to all P3 pupils in Hawick and the surrounding area.
Since then, both siblings have been happily wearing their bright RIDONKULOUS hoodies and bags while scooting and cycling together on their way to Trinity Primary School.
More information about the RIDONKULOUS campaign
The RIDONKULOUS campaign continues to offer a range of engaging activities for the whole community, including school-based initiatives, public events, competitions, and newly developed waymarked trails, all designed to promote healthy, sustainable travel and support community wellbeing.
RIDONKULOUS is funded by Scottish Borders Council via the Transport Scotland/SEStran People and Place Programme.
More information on the RIDONKULOUS campaign can be found on the SBC website.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Executive Member for Environment Sustainability and Transport:
“The RIDONKULOUS campaign shows just how transformative active travel, including walking, wheeling and cycling, can be for young people.
“Walking, wheeling and cycling is a wonderful way to travel in the Borders, offering a healthier, greener, and more cost-effective alternative to driving. I hope these stories inspire people of all ages to embrace active travel, boost their wellbeing, protect the environment, and save on fuel costs.”