For the third year running, the 'Bike Gang' has returned to Kenilworth School.

Organised by town councillors and cycling enthusiasts Zoe Leventhal and Alison Insley, the idea aims to help, encourage and support Year 6 students from local primary schools to cycle to the secondary school in readiness for starting in Year 7.

First launched in 2023, the scheme involves riding as a group from Guy Road Park to the school site on Glasshouse Lane and back on transition day in July, with a view to creating natural groups of student cyclists familiar with the route, who then create a "gang" to cycle to school together once in Year 7 – providing safety in numbers, confidence on the road and new friendships.

As in previous years, this year's cohort was enthusiastic and committed. 

Many of the students have been cycling to school together since the beginning of this new term. 

Cllr Leventhal and Cllr Insley have accompanied some students again in the first week of term to increase their confidence on the road and on the route to school. 

It has been "heartwarming" to see the bike cages looking full at the beginning of term, the councillors said.

One parent reported: "It has brought real joy to my son over a few otherwise anxious days in a new school. 

"He is keen to keep cycling now. Thank you!" 

The bike racks almost full at Kenilworth School

Another added: "I can't thank you enough. 

"You have made me feel easier about letting my son cycle to school. 

"He has been cycling for only 6 months prior and his confidence has soared. Alison, Zoe and Ed you have all gone and above and beyond. Thank you."

"I really enjoyed it and I found it really useful for getting settled into school," said one child who took part. 

"Also I feel safe cycling to school because the skills I have learned have helped me on my way."

Such is the popularity of the initiative, parents and children living on the other side of town had enquired about getting involved.

After half term, there will be another Bike Gang starting from near the High Street, again supporting the children in finding the best route to Kenilworth School.

Councillors Insley and Leventhal hope to build on this success and develop the initiative further, working with the primary schools at an earlier stage this coming year to increase take up by students and confidence for parents.