Summer Bike Club 2010

The Summer Bike Club 2010 was funded by Forestry Commission Scotland and developed by ELGT specifically for local children in Wester Hailes. Aimed at children between 8 and 12 and run over three weeks in July and August 2010, over 50 children attended and all children learnt new bike skills and also had fun doing other woodland activities such as shelter building and environmental games.

To round off the programme, ELGT Project Officer Abby Boultbee and Forestry Commission Development Officer Maida Ballarini presented 21 re-conditioned bikes, new helmets and certificates to children who attended four or more sessions.

Shortly before the bike presentation, Duncan Shaw, a professional stunt cyclist, provided an exciting stunt display on the bike track and around the park- see pictures below!

This Bike Club was a smash hit with the local kids. All the children who attended agreed that they can now ride a bike more safely and they have been spending more time outside and feel healthier as a result. The majority of children have made new friends through the Bike Club and are proud of their newly found bike skills, with the children now able to carry out basic bike checks as well as doing stoppies and wheelies!

Trust Greenspace Projects Officer Abby Boultbee said “It was great fun working with the Bike Station and so many enthusiastic local kids! Hailes Quarry Park is a fantastic place to have fun and get fit with its bike track, lots of cycle paths and play areas.   I’m delighted that so many local kids are getting out and exploring their natural environment.”

Sean, 8, from Wester Hailes said ’I’m really happy to be getting my own bike now, I like playing on the bike track and I like to practice my skids!’