Santa Claus surprises nursery children in Glasgow with new bikes thanks to cycling charity

Children at a Glasgow nursery have received new bikes thanks to funding from a cycling charity.

Santa Claus visited Bonnybroom Nursery in Barmulloch to deliver the new bikes, helmets and storage after receiving more than £2,500 in funding from Cycling UK.

Staff will also benefit from ‘Play on Pedals’ training to help children build up their confidence on two wheels and learn about cycling safety.

Sean Brady, Cycling UK’s senior project officer, told STV News: “You can see the joy on the faces of children as the bikes come out; it’s a lot of fun for them.

“At this age, it’s about getting a bike and having fun, making sure the nursery is equipped to get them going. It gives them so many good skills for later in life.

“The bikes are really small, getting children cycling at the earliest stage possible.

“We hope children get excited for cycling and tell their parents at home. They might want to cycle or scoot to nursery as well.”

New scheme aims to teach children bike safety and promote active travel STV News

The nursery hope to encourage families to take up a form of active travel and enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling together. It also teaches bike safety from a young age.

Bonnybroom Nursery headteacher Claire McLauchlan said it was an “amazing surprise” for Santa to deliver bikes to children.

She said: “This is really important for kids. It gives them a sense of pride, confidence, and self-esteem, working towards going to pedal bikes before they’ve even gone to school. They can also struggle with safe spaces to go on bikes.

“It’s the feeling of freedom you get on a bike. We hope eventually mums and dads will get a bike too – it’s a way for families to be much healthier and more eco-friendly.

“This is the community coming together to give children a chance they maybe wouldn’t get. We are delighted.

“It will make a great difference.”