Pupils from a Derby school are back on their bikes and ready to roll, enjoying a new sense of independence thanks to a scheme supporting young riders across the city.
Fifteen pupils from The Bemrose School, on Uttoxeter Road, Derby, recently visited Ayup Bikes to receive donated bicycles, helmets, and other protective gear through a community initiative supported by British Cycling. The scheme also provides tools, locks, lights, training, and guidance to help young people get on the road safely.
After recognising that pupils who move out of the local area struggle both to get to school and stay connected with friends, the school saw the need for reliable transport to support education and social connections.
Eleven-year-old Samko, said: “I haven’t had a bike for years and I absolutely love the new one I’ve been given. It is definitely one that I would pick.
“Since I moved away from the area close to my school, I haven’t been able to see my friends outside of school and have really felt like I am missing out.
“Now I have this bike, it means I can travel around to meet up with mates and get to school more easily.
“The first thing I’m going to do is meet up with my mates and show them what a nice bike I have.”
Currently based at a hub in Derby city centre, Ayup Bikes is expanding to two additional locations in Chaddesden and Normanton, making it easier for local residents to drop in for bike maintenance and repairs.
Malcolm Yates, part of the Ayup Bikes project team, visited the school to run after-school sessions teaching pupils how to check brakes, change cables and carry out minor repairs. Those who attended were then selected to receive a bike and safety gear.
Malcolm said: “It was wonderful to see how happy the pupils were after receiving their bikes. There was a real buzz in the workshop.
“After a similar Derby initiative I was involved in came to an end, I knew we couldn’t afford to lose that kind of support for local young people.
“We take donated, unloved, discarded and no longer needed bikes, strip them, clean and rebuild them, then put them back in society where they are much needed.”
Through recent funding Ayup Bikes – part of Ayup Community Limited – has been able to provide 30 pupils across the Chaddesden and Normanton areas with bicycles, opening up safe and accessible ways for children to get to school and meet friends.
Ayup Community Limited is a worker owned not-for-profit cooperative, meaning all volunteering members have a say in how the project is run. The organisation relies on partnerships and community support to deliver its programmes.
Beaulieu Watson, head of Year seven, who helped coordinate the collaboration, said: “After seeing first-hand how difficult it was for some of our pupils to get around and stay connected with friends, we knew we had to act.
“We reached out to Audrey’s Charity, who have supported the school on many projects, to see if they could help with bike donations.
“They put us in touch with Ayup Bikes and it’s been fantastic to see everything come together for the pupils.
“Being able to travel to school more easily and spend time with friends outside of the school day makes such a difference to pupils’ wellbeing.”
Neil Wilkinson, headteacher at The Bemrose School, added: “This initiative has given our pupils a real sense of independence and excitement.
“The chance to get around safely on their own bikes makes a big difference to their daily lives and social opportunities.”
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
