A "cycling revolution" is continuing to gain momentum among schoolchildren in a coastal town.
Following the successful launch of a new ‘Bike Library’ pilot scheme in October, dozens of children in Year 5 and Year 6 at Phoenix St Peter Academy in Lowestoft have saddled up to be part of the initiative.
Since the pilot scheme - that is aimed at promoting active travel - was unveiled two months ago to build on the legacy of the Tour of Britain, all of the Year 5 and Year 6 children have now completed their Bikeability Road Safety Proficiency Awards.
And at a special assembly, the schoolchildren were celebrated for embarking on a greener and healthier future.
A spokesman for the primary school on Enstone Road, Lowestoft said: "Phoenix St Peter Academy is leading a cycling revolution for local Year 5 and 6 children with a 'Bike Library' initiative.
"This project goes beyond bikes, focusing on promoting active travel, empowering children and embracing community partnerships.
"In the spirit of 'Get on your bike!' the Bike Library initiative encourages children to adopt healthier and sustainable travel."
As the pupils have been given the "amazing opportunity" to have free and safe access to a bike and safety equipment, the scheme was unveiled with a bike ride along Lowestoft seafront.
And since then the pupils have "enthusiastically embraced" the Bike Library scheme.
With the project supported by Suffolk County Council, Scottish Power Renewables, the Rotary Club of Lowestoft East Point, Lowestoft Rising, Mandarin Cycles and ASDA, the school said the Bike Library scheme's success "is down to key partnerships."
It has seen comprehensive Bikeability training courses offered to all Year 5 and Year 6 children - with essential skills, confidence and knowledge for safe cycling all provided.
'A real joy'
With the academy recently welcoming Nicola Fowler, Active Travel Officer from Suffolk County Council, to celebrate the collaborative effort, Terri Freeman, deputy headteacher, said: "It has been a real joy to watch the children gain confidence and the necessary skills so that they can confidently ride their bicycles in the local community.
"The children and families were incredibly proud of their Level 3 Bikeability Awards, which they received from the Suffolk County Council team and Rotary Club during our recent celebration assembly".
Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for economic development, transport strategy and waste, said: "I am pleased with the success of this pilot project so far, which is part of Suffolk County Council’s wider plans to expand residents’ opportunities for active travel.
"These pupils now have access to safe and appropriate bicycles, we have delivered training so that they can start cycling safely to school, and in the new year we will teach them basic bike maintenance, such as how to fix a puncture, which will allow them to continue cycling for local journeys."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here