Pupils from schools in and around Knightswood have been learning and building their cycling skills in the world-class Glasgow BMX Centre, thanks to two specialist ‘Glasgow Go-Ride’ coaches working with Glasgow Life and Scottish Cycling as part of HSBC UK’s Go-Ride programme with British Cycling.
Since last summer, coaches Jim Goldie and Rab Wardell have been working with four local schools to increase uptake of BMX riding, seeing pupils from Drumchapel High School, St Thomas Aquinas Secondary, John Paul Academy, and Knightswood Secondary School all progressing towards being fully accredited to ride the Olympic-standard track.
With little cycling activity taking place in the schools prior to the involvement with the Go-Ride coaches, their first priority was to meet with the schools and discuss the opportunities and benefits of cycling while highlighting the holistic benefits of a programme.
As of the end of the school year, the coaches have engaged with 60 young people, and more than half of this number are now accredited to ride the track.
Jim said, “It’s been brilliant working with the young people from nearby schools and seeing their confidence grow as they gain more experience on the track.
“Knowing that we’re helping make a difference and teaching new skills to the pupils is pretty special! We hope as many of them as possible can make use of the track during the school summer holidays.”
Both coaches have also been working with pupils on the Young Leaders Programme in St Margaret Mary’s Secondary School, providing leadership training in cycling. This has been delivered as a mix of classroom and practical sessions, allowing the Young Leaders to go on to deliver similar basic skills sessions in local primary schools.
Rab said, “We all know the benefits that physical exercise can bring, and how it improves our mental and physical health.
“By getting these young people accredited on the track, we’re helping them lay the foundations for a healthy and active life – as well as making the most of this brilliant new venue right on their doorstep.”
Further work has also taken place with the University of the West of Scotland as the Glasgow Go-Ride coaches delivered a three-week programme to 120 students, providing guidance and coaching skills.
Councillor David McDonald, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The work our Glasgow Go-Ride coaches have been carrying out in the north-west of the city is fantastic, and it’s encouraging to see so many young people getting out and about on their bikes and making the most of the world-class BMX facility in their own neighbourhood.
“Glasgow is the only city in the world capable of hosting all four Olympic cycling disciplines within the city boundaries and, over the next year, we want to build on the fantastic work carried out by our Go-Ride coaches to get more people in Glasgow trying their hand at BMX and other forms of cycling in the city.”
Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “At Scottish Cycling, we are thrilled with the work which has been taking place with local schools in Glasgow. Over the last 12 months, the HSBC UK Glasgow Go-Ride Coaches have played a crucial role in encouraging participation, developing skills and enhancing the lives of children and young people in the city.
“By utilising world-class facilities like the Glasgow BMX Centre, the coaches have been able to make a real impact in local schools and communities, moving towards achieving our mission of developing a nation of cyclists in Scotland.”
To find out more about the BMX Centre, and to book in for available sessions, please visit: https://glasgowlife.sportsuite.co.uk/activity-finder
Want to try cycling in a safe, fun environment? We’re closing the roads to traffic in Glasgow on Sunday 4 August and hosting a free cycling festival for everyone.
Find more information HERE
