Children with complex additional support needs in Clackmannanshire are experiencing the joy of riding a bike for the very first time.
The charity FEL Scotland partnered with Clackmannanshire Council to pilot a groundbreaking adaptive cycling project, which has even seen pupils speaking and smiling for the first time during sessions.
More than 60 pupils from Alloa Academy have benefited from the Riding Beyond Limits scheme.
“I like to go fast and speedy – it makes me feel excited,” Archie said.
Brendan added: “I love going super fast – I’ve done many rounds.”
The programme supports ASN pupils to take part in outdoor activities.
STV NewsFEL Scotland’s Drew Taylor said: “So many ASN pupils in mainstream education can’t take part in normal PE activities, especially cycling, as they need specialised bikes, which we have.
“We have those, and it allows them with their mobility issues, the ability to actually use the bikes we have. They can learn to cycle bikes themselves and become more independent.”
The benefits are both physically and medically groundbreaking.
Drew said they have witnessed “immense” changes in pupils over the last eight weeks.
“Some people who are non-verbal have started speaking. Children who have limited mobility have, through the cycling programme, actually started taking steps themselves when moving into their wheelchairs and walking frames.”
Carly Lauder is Clackmannanshire Council’s active schools inclusion leader.
She said: “We have non-verbal kids in the department who usually can’t communicate, but they’ve been able to articulate they want to go faster.
“That’s another breakthrough with our young pupils. We’ve seen their oxygen levels rising from around 82% to 100% when they’re on the bike, which is amazing to see.”
STV NewsEach of these bikes is custom-designed to meet the needs of individual pupils – from trikes to tandem bikes.
Elaine Wright from Clackmannanshire Council said they feel “incredibly lucky” to be a part of this programme.
“As you can see from the smiles and the excitement from our young people, Fridays are a big highlight in the department,” she said. “They look forward to it so much.
“It helps develop their confidence and working with others they don’t know so well, developing new relationships with the people who come to volunteer and help on the bikes.
“Families have been in touch to ask where they can purchase bikes to get them out in their local community and socialise, which is really positive too.”
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