Schools Set Up A Gear To Get Kids Active

Schools in Cumbernauld are introducing mountain biking as the latest tool in the drive to encourage young people to get active. Pupils at Abronhill High School are now enjoying mountain biking in Cumbernauld Glen as part of their PE curriculum, in addition to the wide range of sports already available at the school. The initiative is a first for Scottish schools and was developed by Forestry Commission Scotland as part of its Active Woods campaign to encourage people to enjoy activities in their local woods and forests. The Commission approached Abronhill High initially – where the unique scheme is now being piloted – but is also planning to work with Cumbernauld and St Maurice’s High Schools in the new year. Pupils have already started skills training on school grounds and are ready to move on to a beginner’s trail at Cumbernauld Glen. A purpose-built mountain biking trail is due to be developed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust at the Glen by the end of this year, allowing youngsters to progress to more adventurous terrain. Environment Minister, Michael Russell said: "I'm really pleased that Abronhill's pupils have taken to this project with such enthusiasm. It really shows that with some creative thinking there's new ways to encourage youngsters to have fun and get more active at the same time. Well done to everyone involved." Kevin Lafferty, of Forestry Commission Scotland, added: “This is the first initiative of its kind in Scotland and we have been really pleased with the feedback so far from the kids taking part. “We teamed up with the local schools in Cumbernauld because we wanted to target people who wouldn’t normally consider coming out to the forest and trying the sport. “Active children are more likely to be active adults and are less likely to suffer from many serious health problems in later life. However, few young people have the access, opportunity or equipment to do mountain biking on their own and this allows them to try something different and learn the essential cycling skills from experienced staff.” The scheme has already been a big hit with pupils at the school and there are plans to extend it to the after-school club. Ultimately, it is hoped that giving the youngsters an introduction to the sport during school hours will encourage them to use the new biking trails at Cumbernauld Glen in their own time and to consider cycling to school. Mountain biking is just one of the activities being promoted as part of Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign. Forest rangers across the country organise a range of activities including guided Health Walks and family activity days – all aimed at encouraging people to get out and about in their local woodland. Bill Griffin, principal teacher of PE at Abronhill High School, said: “We are lucky to have Cumbernauld Glen so close to the school and this project is a great way to introduce the pupils to mountain biking and teach them the skills they need to be able to enjoy it. “I believe you need to offer sports that pupils can get excited about and mountain biking is one of a range of sports we offer here at the school, including handball and ultimate Frisbee. “We have started the fifth years off doing the mountain bike training and the feedback has been fantastic so I plan to roll it out to all levels.” Funding for the project was made possible through Forestry Commission Scotland’s Woods In and Around Towns Initiative and partnership funding from Cycling Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, in association with North Lanarkshire Council’s Education Department. Local mountain bikers have been involved in designing the new trail at Cumbernauld Glen, and five of them have recently been trained by Cycling Scotland, as Trail Cycle Leaders, so will be able to take local kids out on the trail. Jim Riach, Education and Training Manager at Cycling Scotland, said: "It is fantastic to see the interest and enthusiasm in this project. "Cycling is the most popular activity for children out-with PE lessons, so it is encouraging to see mountain biking now being offered as part of PE lessons, particularly as Scotland is considered one of the top mountain biking destinations in the world. “Hopefully this enthusiasm for mountain biking will also encourage pupils to think about cycling to school, building on the cycling training they receive at primary school. An active journey to school is an excellent way to prepare young people for the challenges of a day at school." www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods

Latest news

2026 Scottish Downhill Association Series Dates and Venues Announced
New Spot: Abergele Pump Track
New Spot: Cadishead Pump Track
Watch: Down For Life - 30 Years of Bicycles & Dirt
Watch: Matt Jones returning to oversee the reconstruction of Woburn Bike Park

Popular news

Review: Shimano Saint PD-MX80 Pedals
Rockshox Announce 2014 Sid, Revelation, XLoc and updates to the Monarch
Review: Maxxis Ikon 26x2.35 Tyres