Glasgow schoolchildren celebrate a special Christmas bike handover

These special handovers mark an exciting milestone for Cycling UK’s Play Together on Pedals (PTOP) programme, which continues to inspire children across Glasgow to discover the joy and freedom of cycling.

Funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) through Glasgow City Council, PTOP helps children learn to ride and grow their cycling confidence, while breaking down barriers for families who may struggle to access bikes. 

Festive celebrations of cycling

At Whiteinch Primary School and Nursery, the second delivery of bikes this year created smiles and excitement as children eagerly tried out their new cycles. Over at Bonnybroom Nursery in Barmulloch, Santa also made a special stop to deliver nine new bikes, helmets, and storage, thanks to funding from Cycling UK.

Bonnybroom Nursery staff will receive Play on Pedals training to help children gain confidence on two wheels and develop essential cycling safety skills.  

Headteacher Clair McLauchlan, speaking to STV, called the visit “an amazing surprise”:

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. 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

Sean Brady, Cycling UK’s senior project officer, told STV: 

“You can see the joy on the faces of children as the bikes come out. 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.”

A year of achievements

To date, PTOP has already delivered:

• 4,014 engagements
• 584 cycling sessions
• 30 adults trained to deliver Play on Pedals sessions
• Pop-Up Bike Park activities in 13 Glasgow schools

Through these achievements, thousands of children have gained confidence on two wheels, with many progressing to cycling independently for the first time.

Suzanne Forup, head of behaviour change and development Scotland at Cycling UK, said:

“Many parents will know about the joy that a new bike brings, but for so many families, a good quality cycle is out of their financial reach. We’re delighted to help Santa deliver these bikes so that local children can enjoy the thrill of learning to ride.” 

Supporting families and building confidence

Play Together on Pedals is making a real difference to children and families across Glasgow, helping them embrace cycling as a skill for life. Programmes like Pop-Up Bike Park, which have already run in 13 schools this year, demonstrate just how impactful cycling opportunities can be. On average, the sessions have seen cycling ability rise from 29% to 86% over just five weeks.

Feedback from parents highlights the benefits:

My son was hesitant to cycle with pedals. After just one school session, he came home excited and full of confidence. Now, he’s riding everywhere!

By providing access to bikes and training, PTOP helps children develop essential skills, while also encouraging active travel and family cycling for everyday journeys.

The festive handovers at Whiteinch and Bonnybroom Nurseries showcase the power of community, collaboration, and cycling. As children enjoy new opportunities to play, explore, and build lifelong skills, the Play Together on Pedals programme continues to deliver lasting benefits across Glasgow.

With ongoing support from Glasgow City Council and SPT, Cycling UK remains committed to helping children discover the joy, freedom, and confidence that cycling can bring.