Elgin teacher scoops top award for getting youngsters biking

An Elgin primary teacher has been named as Cycling Scotland’s volunteer of the year.

Deborah Gault, who delivers Bikeability Scotland cycle training at East End Primary School in Elgin, received her award at Cycling Scotland’s Awards in Glasgow’s City Chambers last week.

Deborah –or Debs to her colleagues - has delivered extra-curricular Bikeability sessions at East End for the past five years, and over 80 pupils have come through the programme.

Bikeability Scotland is a cycle training scheme designed to give children the skills and confidence they need both to cycle safely on the roads, and to encourage them to carry on cycling into adulthood.

Active Schools coordinator, Roy McPherson, praised Debs’ commitment.

“Debs’ relaxed manner and positive approach to coaching has helped lots of kids develop their essential cycling and road safety skills at East End,” he said.

“She recently led East End Primary 7s on a 12-mile cycling round trip to Lossiemouth as part of a transition event involving four other schools, and adds a unique twist to the Bikeability sessions by including a skills circuit involving a host of different activities.

“She regularly goes over above the call of duty and has been at the forefront of developing a strong cycling culture at East End.”

Cycling Scotland is the nation’s cycling organisation. David Collins, Bikeability Development Officer for the organisation, said: “There is so much excellent work going on across Scotland to get people, of all ages and abilities, cycling more often. We are very grateful to our volunteers, campuses, schools and workplaces in helping us to grow confidence in our young people and to help achieve our shared vision of 10% of journeys by bike by 2020.

“Our thanks go to Transport Scotland and Moray Council for helping to recognise the amazing work that goes on at grass roots level to help more people to travel safely and confidently by bike.”