More than 1,700 young people across South Ayrshire completed a Bikeability Scotland award during the 2025/26 academic year, as participation in the cycling programme continued to grow.
The increase came during the first year of new delivery arrangements following the programme’s transfer to South Ayrshire Council.
Supported by funding from Cycling Scotland, the programme is now delivered through Dolphin House Outdoor Education Centre by the Council’s Thriving Communities Health and Wellbeing team.
Bikeability Scotland helps children develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely. Level 1 covers core cycling skills and safety checks away from traffic, while Level 2 introduces pupils to cycling on quieter roads.
During 2025/26, 31 primary schools, representing 78% of schools across South Ayrshire, delivered Level 1 training. A further 28 schools, or 70%, delivered Level 2 on-road training.
Joint sessions involving neighbouring smaller and rural schools helped widen participation while reducing demands on school staff and resources. The Council plans to build on this approach during the coming year.
Sixteen new Bikeability Scotland instructors also completed training, including school staff, community staff and volunteers. Existing instructors were offered refresher training to support continued delivery.
The Council’s ambition for 2026/27 is for every South Ayrshire primary school to offer Level 2 on-road training, with support available for instructor development, mentoring, planning and delivery.
Councillor William Grant, the Council’s Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Bikeability gives young people practical skills and confidence that can make a real difference to how safely and independently they travel.
“It is very encouraging to see more than 1,700 young people complete an award this year, alongside strong participation in both Level 1 and Level 2. We want to build on that progress and support every South Ayrshire primary school to offer Level 2 on-road training.”
Support will also expand for Play on Pedals, Scotland’s early-years learn-to-ride programme.
New training will be available for early-years practitioners, while a Bike Library will allow centres to borrow balance bikes and first pedal bikes for up to three months.
Councillor Chris Cullen, Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, credited the Council team, school staff, community staff and volunteers with helping the programme grow.
He said: “By training more instructors and finding effective ways for smaller and rural schools to work together, we are creating more opportunities for children across South Ayrshire to enjoy the health, wellbeing and independence that cycling can bring.”
For information about Bikeability Scotland, Play on Pedals, instructor training or cycling support, email DolphinHouse@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01655 884859.