Bicycle bus initiative helping children from Warwick Gates to Whitnash get to school

A 'bicycle bus' initiative has been launched to help children get to school on their bikes.

The initiative was started in the area by Simon Storey, who is a keen cyclist as well as a British cycling coach at Stratford juniors cycling club.

'Bicycle bus' is when a designated 'lead cyclist' picks up children and parents along a planned route and the group cycles to school together.

The initiative, which officially launched on October 2, runs between Warwick Gates and Whitnash with drop off points at three schools.

Simon said: "During lockdown I became aware of a webinar hosted by British Cycling about how to start a bicycle bus, so attended it and thought it was something I could try in my local area to my daughter's school, but in fact ended up servicing three local schools in Whitnash; St Joseph's Catholic primary school, Briar Hill infant school and St Margaret's C of E junior school.

"I started putting things into place and asking for help from local businesses and councillors, all of whom were very helpful and jumped at the chance to help.

"With all of the help I had received and lots of hard work in setting up the bicycle bus and promoting it, it was finally time to for the inaugural bicycle bus on October 2.

"Unfortunately storm Alex decided to join us and it was very wet, but that didn't deter the first trail blazers who also joined including Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger who joined on her bike and Cllr Judith Falp who wanted to show the council's support.

"The people who helped include: Cllr Andrew Day, Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, Modern Homes LTD, BPS building merchants Überdoodle design and the Whitnash Charitable Trust.

"John Atkins Cycles who have supplied first aid kits, have also helped by offering free bike safety checks and 10 per cent discount to the users of the bicycle bus."

Simon hopes this initiative will encourage more families to cycle to school.

He said: "With child obesity, air quality, congestion and inconsiderate parking at the forefront, cycling to school is a great way to tackle all of these issues as well as giving a boost to physical and mental well-being.

"I really want to get across to people the benefits of cycling, both physically and mentally, also cycling to school with your child is a real bonding experience.

"The government are investing in active travel schemes and I want to improve the route we take to make it as accessible and safe as possible.

"I have had a good response and was already stopped by other parents who want to join the bicycle bus.

"If I can make a difference to the congestion and parking issues which will have a knock on effect with the air quality, and get more people out on their bikes which will improve their physical and mental well-being then I'll be happy, but it will show that it is possible for other parents at other schools setting up their own bicycle bus and I have been contacted by one parent for advice who wants to do just that."

Simon will be running the bicycle bus every two weeks and the next one is on Friday October 16.

For information about the next bicycle bus go to: https://www.facebook.com/thebicyclebusTo learn more about the initiative and the stops go to: https://thebicyclebus.co.uk/