Housing society helps pupils get on their bike

Published by Hywel LLoyd for Merlin Housing Society in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Merlin Housing Society has helped pupils at a Patchway primary school to get on their bikes by building a new cycle shelter.

Coniston Primary School’s new shelter, which was funded and built by Merlin, was officially opened last week. The school hopes it will encourage more pupils to choose to cycle or scoot to and from school, rather than be driven by their parents.

Community Investment Officer Louisa Massey said: “When we were approached to help with the shelters, we didn’t hesitate.  Coniston Primary School is right in the heart of our Patchway community and is a great asset to the area.  We were thrilled to be involved.”

Nigel Isaac, head teacher at Coniston Primary School adds, “So many of our children love using their bikes and scooters and I’m sure that now we have these wonderful new shelters, many more will choose to ride them to school.”

The school has been working with charity Sustrans for the past year to encourage parents and pupils to choose two wheels rather than four for the school run. Ryan Evans, Sustrans Bike It officer for the school said: “Coniston Primary is ideally placed for young cyclists, with quiet roads and cycle paths nearby. The children here are really enthusiastic about riding their bikes to school and the new shelter will provide a safe place for them to secure their bikes, giving parents peace of mind and encouraging them and their children to get in the saddle for the school run.”

Sustrans works with over 20 schools in South Gloucestershire in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council and NHS South Gloucestershire.