New Bike for Christmas: Larbert High School Case Study
Featured image: S2 pupil happy with their newly sourced, fully checked, bike (Larbert High School)
There are 8 Active Travel School Hubs across Stirling, Clackmannanshire, and Falkirk, aimed at helping school pupils make healthier, greener travel choices. These Hubs focus on improving the Active Travel confidence of young people by developing skills when cycling, scooting, skating and walking. Larbert High School is the largest Hub, with over 2500 pupils from S1 to S6. The Active Travel officer at Larbert, Callum, works hard to engage as many pupils as possible, encouraging them to travel actively each day. Through sessions like Active Travel tasters, healthy minds, route planning, bike maintenance, and competitions, the pupils have responded positively, with more sessions planned for 2025.
With such a large number of pupils, it’s easy for individual needs to get overlooked. However, at FEL Scotland, while the aim is to engage many pupils, there’s always room for personalised support when needed. Callum ensures that each pupil gets the attention they require for their travel needs. A perfect example of this occurred before Christmas, when Callum helped an S2 pupil who needed a new bike. This pupil had been committed to cycling to school every day but their bike was in poor condition: no front brake, a rusty chain, and a seat too small. Callum didn’t want to discourage the pupil from cycling each day, so he began a bespoke bike sourcing mission!
With help from the FEL Scotland workshop staff, a free, fully checked bike was sourced for the pupil. Along with the bike, the pupil received a new helmet, lock, and lights for safer cycling in winter. The day the pupil received the bike (pictured) was truly rewarding, with the pupil expressing deep gratitude to Callum. “It was my pleasure; all Active Travel officers are happy to support every pupil in any way they can, in a bid to increase Active Travel in local communities,” Callum said. With the Active Travel officers being embedded in schools they are able to monitor pupils throughout the year, providing support that meets each pupil’s needs.
For the pupil who received the bike, they’ll participate in bike maintenance sessions next semester, learning to care for their bike and fix issues like punctures. This full-circle support is the hallmark of FEL Scotland, offering information, training, and equipment to help young people thrive in their local community through Active Travel.
