Students at four local secondary schools are getting on their bikes thanks to an innovative loan scheme supported by South Gloucestershire Council.
The Cyked scheme gives students the chance to hire one of 40 bikes to help them travel between the campuses of Patchway Community College, Bradley Stoke Community School, Abbeywood Community School and Filton College.
Partnership working between the four schools (they collectively form the Concorde Partnership) means that some students attend lessons at more than one site, and the Cyked scheme helps them get to the classroom on time using a network of purpose-built cycle routes between the schools.
Bikes are available to hire for an entire academic year for just £25, with a helmet, lock and lights included in the fee. Students will be encouraged to buy their own bikes following the loan period.
New cycle storage facilities also have been installed on three sites to help secure bikes during lessons.
Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for Planning, Transportation and Strategic Environment said:
“Cyked is an exciting opportunity for students to try out cycling as part of their daily routine. These loan bikes will offer students a fast, safe and free way to get to classes as well as promoting fitness and wellbeing.”
Ian Trevarthen, Head of Post-16 at Patchway Community College, added:
“We are delighted to be involved in the Cyked scheme. It is a fantastic opportunity for all of the students in the Concorde Partnership and underlines our commitment to improving the student experience.”
“The scheme integrates fitness, convenience and fun, and the quality of the bikes provided is superb. I am sure the students will love the scheme and recognise the value of their bikes in saving them money and time over commuting by car. I would like to thank South Gloucestershire Council for funding the scheme.”
Cyked is part of the Cycling City project led by Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils, who are working with Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset councils to promote cycling across the region.
More information about Cyked, including details of cycle routes between the schools, is available on the scheme’s website www.betterbybike.info/cyked.
Photo: Students and staff from Patchway Community College with South Gloucestershire Council representatives. (L-R) Ryan O’Shea, Dominic Blake, Martina Bryne-Obee (South Gloucestershire Council Road Safety), Cllr Brian Allinson, Chris Alsop, Debbie Bolton (South Gloucestershire Council Road Safety), Jane Millicent (Headteacher, Patchway Community College), Chris McGiveron, and Ian Trevarthen (Head of Post-16 at Patchway Community College).
Related link: Schools in Patchway (The Journal)
