Students at Manchester Communication Academy (MCA) held a celebration event to mark the launch of new cycling facilities, as part of a £1 million investment in schools and colleges across Greater Manchester.
MCA is just one of 11 schools and colleges benefiting from Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM’s) ‘Cycle Schools and Colleges’ project, launched in July 2014 to promote cycling as an attractive and convenient travel option for students, teachers and families.
New cycling infrastructure has been developed in and around all Cycle Schools and Colleges, including improvements to local cycle routes and providing new and improved cycle parking facilities.
TfGM is also offering guidance, training and continued support as part of the drive to increase cycling and help promote better health in young people.
Thanks to the project, MCA now has a mountain bike trail, pump track, 30 bikes and helmets for use by students, and more than 100 upgraded, covered bike parking spaces. The school plans to run regular coaching sessions for students.
The second phase of the Cycle Schools and Colleges project was announced at today’s celebration event, with another 10 schools and colleges set to benefit from a further £1million of investment.
Councillor Chris Paul, TfGM Committee Cycling Champion, said: “We want to see a cultural shift towards cycling and young people have a key role to play.
“Our work with schools and colleges is really driving home the message that cycling is great fun, great for the family budget and good for Greater Manchester as a whole.
“We aim to see 10% of all journeys in the region made by bike by 2025 – reducing congestion and improving our environment. I’m sure the young people we’re working with right now will play a big part in helping us achieving that.
“Thanks to pupils at Manchester Communication Academy for their hard work to make today’s event so enjoyable.”
The celebration event at MCA –attended by the Lord Mayor of Manchester and featuring mountain bike skills display, coaching session and a DJ set – was organised by 19 Year 11 students, who looked at catering, entertainment and promotion as part of their career development studies.
Martin Roberts, Assistant Principal – Community, Manchester Communication Academy, said: “It’s said that cycling helps to improve your concentration, health, happiness and fitness. What more could we want for our students and community than this opportunity which has been made possible through the Cycle Schools and Colleges project?
“It will be great to see the students benefiting from the new facilities and cycling training at our after school clubs, teaching them new skills and encouraging them to get out on their bikes.”
