Ancrum Outdoor Centre is marking seven years of success in its Active Travel Dundee Schools Project, launched in partnership with Bikeability Scotland and Dundee City Council. Once the lowest participating authority in Scotland for cycling proficiency among Primary 7 pupils, Dundee is now recognised as a national leader in active travel education.
Funding from Dundee City Council’s sustainable transport team in 2018 enabled the recruitment of a dedicated team of Active Travel Coordinators. This team has since developed strong relationships with all 33 primary schools across the city, delivering a comprehensive programme that began with Bikeability Level 2 training and has expanded to include a wide range of cycling and walking initiatives.
Every Primary 7 pupil in Dundee now has the opportunity to complete Bikeability Level 2 certified on-road training. Thanks to continued support from Bikeability Scotland and Tactran, the project also delivers learn-to-ride sessions, advanced led rides on the Green Circular, walking buses, and litter picks along key school routes, while supporting both local and national active travel campaigns.
The team has addressed safety concerns by identifying risk-assessed, quieter areas for training, helping build trust and significantly increasing participation.
David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Manager, said:
“In 2022, Dundee became the first city authority to deliver Bikeability Scotland training in all of its primary schools—an achievement to be celebrated. With every school on track to deliver Level 2 training for the third consecutive year, Dundee is giving its children a strong foundation for healthier, more active lifestyles.”
Derek Napier, Manager of Ancrum Outdoor Centre, said:
“Thanks to ongoing funding, the project has gone from strength to strength. It's fantastic to see all P7 pupils in Dundee gaining the skills and confidence to ride safely, and more pupils walking and cycling to school each year.”
Councillor Stewart Hunter Children, Families and Communities Convener said:
“It’s great to celebrate seven years of the Active Travel Dundee Schools project. Providing active travel options for our young people is hugely important and remains a key priority for the council, that’s why we’ve funded active travel coordinators.
“Our ambition is to make this city a better place for cycling, and by providing training for young people in every primary school, we’re helping them lead more active lives and gain the confidence to do so."
The initiative focuses on accessibility and equity, prioritising schools in areas of greatest need and providing free cycling opportunities, adapted bikes, and support for families. By working closely with parents, school clubs and community stakeholders, the project ensures all children can participate, regardless of background or ability.
Aligned with Dundee City Council’s People and Place outcomes, the project supports sustainable travel and inclusive access. Its achievements were recognised with a Scottish Transport Award in 2023 and it has been shortlisted again in 2024 for Excellence in Walking, Public Realm and Cycling.
To learn more about Bikeability delivered by Ancrum Outdoor Centre, visit: https://www.ancrum.com/bikeability