Schools in Armley are among 19 across Leeds to receive new bicycle and scooter storage as part of a £100,000 project.
Chapel Allerton Primary School and Armley Park Primary School are the latest schools to benefit from the project. The new storage facility offers greater security and weather protection.
Other schools include St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School in Armley, Seacroft Grange Primary School, Ebor Gardens Primary Academy, Lane End Primary School, Hugh Gaitskell Primary School, Low Road Primary School and Ingram Road Primary School.
The project uses active travel funding allocated to Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority from the Department for Transport and aims to make it easier for children to use active and sustainable modes of transport to get to school.
Mrs Emily Caine, Armley Park Primary School headteacher, said:
“We are really excited about our new bike and scooter storage. The children are now able to bike or scoot to school knowing their bikes or scooters can be stored safely throughout the day.
“This has already increased the number of children coming to school using bikes or scooters and it has only been installed a few weeks. Some parents have also said their child is now asking Santa for a new bike so they can ride it to school!”
Leeds City Council runs a programme of active travel and road safety workshops for schools and community groups. The training develops children’s skills and confidence so they can walk, cycle or scoot to school and use the new storage facilities.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council executive member for infrastructure and climate, said these initiatives contribute to the Connecting Leeds transport strategy and help to create a city where you don’t need a car. She added:
“If more people cycle or scoot to school, there will be less traffic around the school gates, which will improve air quality for the local community. Studies suggest children who ride their bike or scooter to school are happier and more engaged in the classroom.
“As we continue to develop our green infrastructure and build segregated cycle lanes in Leeds, it’s becoming safer for children to ride their bike to school.”