Carbrain Primary School in Cumbernauld is one of the first schools in the area to benefit – with plans in place to roll the programme out to other schools over the coming months.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council’s Wellbeing and Tackling Poverty, said: “This programme will provide bikes to so many children in the area who otherwise might not have had one. It is also about reducing waste and recycling for the benefit of families in our communities.” 

Under the Cycles to Schools initiative bikes are collected from recycling centres to be restored by Recycled Bikes Scotland who then hand them over to primary schools.  

Carbrain Primary, which is located near the company's workshop, is among the first schools in North Lanarkshire to reap the benefits of this scheme.  

Chris Clacher of Recycled Bikes Scotland said: “An essential aspect of this initiative is the support from Evans Cycles and Specialized, who have contributed significantly to the scheme's launch by donating 150 helmets.  

“This contribution ensures that children not only have access to bicycles but can also cycle safely. 

“The project focuses on identifying pupils who don't have access to bicycles. We provide them with bikes to use, which they can keep after completing their Cycling Proficiency or Bikeability programme. 

“It provides them with a fun way of getting about and ideally promotes lifelong love of cycling. 

“This initiative is about sustainable community development and improving the lives of young people in North Lanarkshire through physical activity.”