West Lothian Primary named Bikeability Scotland's 'School of the Year'

As one of hundreds of schools delivering the national programme of cycle training to primary school pupils, Williamston Primary School in Murieston, West Lothian has been named as the Bikeability Scotland 'School of the Year'.

In awarding the prize, judges commended the school's overall cycling culture and commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The judging panel also highlighted the shared commitment of school staff and students to making sure that every pupil has the opportunity and support to complete Level 2 on-road cycle training before heading to high school.

Bikeability Scotland helps to increase road safety awareness in young people, giving them the confidence and skills to travel safely by bike. Free for pupils, it's funded and co-ordinated by Cycling Scotland, in a long-term partnership with local authorities, through grant funding from Transport Scotland. 

Half a million young people in Scotland have completed Bikeability Scotland cycle training since it started in schools in 2011, with more schools now delivering the national standard cycle training than ever before.

For schools, the training is an effective way of delivering Curriculum for Excellence outcomes, offering outdoor learning opportunities, and supporting attainment, with a recent three-year, independent evaluation showing a clear link between the training and increased knowledge, skills and cycling frequency, and a greater impact in areas of higher deprivation.

Jane Livingston, Head Teacher of Williamston Primary School, said: "Introducing Bikeability in our school more than 10 years ago has made a great difference not only for our pupil's health and independence but also for their confidence and sense of responsibility. All P6 children are offered level 1 training, while all P7 pupils are given the opportunity to extend this learning further through level 2.

"It's amazing to see children who are quiet and shy in class become leaders of their group when outside cycling or children who struggle to focus during lessons, show fantastic ability to follow instructions and remember rules.

"All pupils are always excited to take part no matter how much prior experience they may have. The fact that our bike stands are full of bikes every morning shows that a lot of our students choose to continue to develop their cycling skills and stay active and make healthy life choices."

Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "I was delighted to visit Williamston Primary to offer my congratulations and hear more about their journey to become Cycling Scotland's Bikeability School of the year for 2025.
 
"It was fantastic to see first-hand the enthusiasm of both staff and children for cycling, and all the positive benefits it can bring."

David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager, said: "We're so pleased to celebrate Williamston's achievements with the School of the Year award, recognising the efforts of all school staff, instructors, and parents to build a real model for success in delivering Bikeability Scotland cycle training.

"It's especially impressive to see how invested the school's pupils have been in making the training a success, as well as its visible impact in helping to develop a local cycling culture where young people are supported to gain the skills and confidence to travel independently by bike now and into the future."

West Lothian Council's Executive Councillor for Education Andrew McGuire added: "Huge congratulations to everyone at Williamston Primary in Livingston on winning Bikeability Scotland's School of the Year.

"This award shows the excellent work taking place at Williamston to create a positive culture for cycling, and thanks to all the staff and children who have embraced this so enthusiastically.

"Cycling is a fun and healthy activity, and it's important our young people develop the skills and confidence they need to make the most of the opportunities it provides."