Last week, a new group called the 'Bike Gang', made up of children, parents and volunteers, cycled together to and from Kenilworth School for three days.

The aim of the scheme is to enable the children to gain confidence in cycling to school, to meet friends to cycle with, and to involve their parents to support and encourage them too.

The gang was made up of around 10 children ranging from Year 6 leavers to Years 8 and 9 pupils, along with parents and volunteers.

Organisers said everyone arrived at Kenilworth School feeling cheerful and having made new friends.

The scheme was organised by parents of children at the school who are keen to make cycling an option for more young people in Kenilworth.

One of the organisers, Zoe Leventhal, said: "The Bike Gang is similar to a Bike Bus but with secondary school students in mind. At this age, students should be able to cycle to school independently, but parents and their kids want a bit of support initially to find a route, work out logistics and get confident doing it.

"Cycling to school, particularly in a group, is great for young people, and there is strength in numbers.

"It's great exercise and helps kids to feel ready to focus when they arrive. It's also great for their independence – not just getting to school but getting around town. And reducing the number of cars on the road is better for air quality and the environment generally.

"We've had great support from Kenilworth School and the local primary schools in getting the word out – and we've had amazing volunteers who've been prepared to come and support. Thank you to all the drivers who were patient with us. A great experience!"

Bike Gang was organised as a pilot scheme from the St John's area of Kenilworth initially, a sufficient distance away that children may be more likely to want to cycle rather than walk.

The dates were chosen to fit in with Kenilworth School's Summer Sports Camp for new year 7s, but it was open to anyone who wanted to join.

Organisers Zoe Leventhal (left) Alison Insley outside St John's Primary School (image supplied)

Alison Insley, who is a Bikeability instructor, and joint organiser, added: "For Bikeability, we teach confidence, competence and consistency in cycling.

"The children involved had already done their Bikeability Level 2 at school, and are also being offered a road confidence course (level 3) over the summer for free.

"These young people were having fun this week – and so were we. But they were also gaining in skills and confidence on how to ride properly on roads and in a group. Their parents have gained confidence seeing their children cycling and we've all learnt about the routes together. That's what it's all about!"

One of the children commented: "It has been fun and it is important that we know what the route is to get to our new school."

Another child said: "I just like the exercise, it feels healthier than being in a car when you get to school – you feel like your head is clear!"

Kenilworth School posted on Facebook "Hats off to all those who arrived with the Bike Gang…keeping their carbon footprint to a minimum."

Given the success of the pilot, Bike Gang will return for the first two weeks of the school term in September.

The team is also hoping to find more volunteers to extend it to other areas of Kenilworth.

"It will be easier once the new school is open, and the new cycle paths linking into the school have been completed," Zoe added.

Alison and Zoe are also both Kenilworth Town Councillors and members of the council's cycling delivery group.

The group recently organised a Cycling Awareness Day in Talisman Square, and has set up free Bikeability 3 (road confidence) courses this summer at the Kenilworth Centre.

The courses are run by Outspoken Training and funded by Warwickshire County Council.

Places are still available on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 August and can be booked here.

For anyone interested in finding out more about Bike Gang, get in touch by emailing [email protected]