GALLERY: Oatlands Bike Bus celebrates first anniversary

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About 60 pupils today (November 28) took part in the first anniversary of the Oatlands Bike Bus, which encourages children to cycle safely to school.

The project, the first of its kind in Yorkshire, was set up by local parents inspired by the pioneering Barcelona bike bus.

Bikes buses create a fun, social and safe way for children and parents to cycle to school, by riding together, with music.

In Harrogate, children, parents, carers and marshals take part in a 1.3-mile, group bike ride from the Stray to Oatlands Infant School and Oatlands Junior School every fortnight. The school head and deputy headteachers also take part.

Since it started, 1,000 journeys have been made to school via the Oatlands Bike Bus, covering 1,300 miles. Oatlands Infant School even has a bike library, enabling children, parents and carers to loan bikes and trailers.

Infant school head Christopher Harrison said: "Getting together on the Stray and cycling to school together is such a wonderful way to start the day.”

Junior school deputy headteacher Drew Morley said: “It has been wonderful to see familiar faces and new attendees at each bike bus, and see families encouraged to make the environmentally friendly and healthy choice for their journey into school.”

Ann, a parent at Oatlands Infant School, said: “We’re a cycling family and love how bike bus has got so many children and adults back on their bike to safely enjoy riding on the road. It’s amazing to see all ages riding as a group and is the perfect way to encourage families to leave the car at home and cycle.”

The Stray Ferret joined today’s anniversary event. Here are some photos.