On Thursday 6th October Oriel High School in Maidenbower donated 16 bicycles to five primary schools in Crawley at a special donation ceremony organised by UK charity Sustrans.
Sustrans works with Oriel High School and the five primaries to encourage children to cycle to school. The bikes, donated by Virgin Atlantic, will be used for teaching the primary school children bicycle skills and to carry out bike mechanic demonstrations. They will also be used by pupils who do not have access to a bike.
Sustrans Bike It officer For Crawley Alan Heaton comments, “The bikes were donated to the high school but unfortunately they are too small for most of the children to use. It’s very kind of the school to donate the bikes to the primary schools so that younger children can use them. They will be a great addition to the primary schools in their quest to create a pro cycling culture.”
Ryan Sallows, Business Manager at Oriel High School adds, “Oriel is very pleased to be working with Sustrans to encourage cycling to school. Virgin Atlantic have been also very supportive of Oriel High School’s link to such a worthwhile charity and the cycles they donated, that were assembled by Virgin Atlantic staff at its Crawley headquarters, are a real bonus and will be used by pupils at the Primary schools now and into the future”
Bike It officer Alan works directly with teachers, pupils and parents to encourage children to get to school on two wheels. He organises various events, activities and classroom sessions to give children the knowledge and skills to cycle safely.
Alan currently works with 5 schools in Crawley, in partnership with Crawley Borough Council.
The Sustrans website – www.sustrans.org.uk – has a free online map service to discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike. Search for local or national routes, plot journeys, or find what the local area has to offer from schools, supermarkets and local landmarks to car clubs, bus stops and bike shops.
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