Hundreds of Inverness pupils enjoy Big Pedal Challenge organised by Sustrans and supported by Highland Council – 14 pictures
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SCORES of youngsters took over an Inverness street to enjoy activities ranging from cycling workshops to creating chalk murals.
A section of Planefield Road in front of Central Primary School was closed to traffic for the day as part of a UK-wide campaign to encourage more active travel among youngsters.
The closure was organised by sustainable travel charity Sustrans as part of the Big Pedal Challenge and was supported by Highland Council.
More than 200 pupils from the school plus youngsters from St Joseph’s RC Primary took part.
They were joined Lee Craigie, Scotland’s first active nation commissioner, plus representatives from the Living Streets and Paths For All campaigns.
Ms Craigie, of Inverness, became the British mountain bike champion in 2013 and represented Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Iain Thompson, the Inverness bike officer for Sustrans, said the pupils had enjoyed being able to take advantage of the traffic-free street.
“We had a lot of comments from parents, staff and pupils as to how great it was to have the street and to feel safe and free to do what they wanted,” said Mr Thompson, adding there had been no complaints from motorists.
“Everyone has been very understanding.”
He said feedback from the event would be collected and potential future options discussed with the school and Highland Council. These could range from a repeat closure to possibly closing the road for an hour around drop-off and pick-up times at the school.
“In terms of what we have achieved, it is about encouraging the kids to be active and helping them to enjoy their local environment and surroundings.
“It is about having a bit of communal fun and highlighting how great it is for mental health as well as the environment.”
