Head teachers in Bishopbriggs were left cowering yesterday as a BMX rider pulled a wheelie while jumping over them.
Not to worry though, as the stunt at Auchinairn Primary School was fully planned, and nobody was at risk. (We’re sure pupils were happy to see their head teachers survive.)
Auchinairn is the seventh primary in Bishopbriggs to receive the Cycling Scotland Cycle Friendly School Award, making it the first town in Scotland to have all the primary schools make the grade.
This certification has been beneficial for take-up, resulting in a three-fold increase in cycling to primary schools in the area.
BMX rider Chris Eastwood (aka Katman), who performed the stunt, has recently performed with The Clan, Britain's most entertaining and interactive bike stunt show.
The 16-year-old admitted of jumping over the head teachers: “It was pretty fun, and I did enjoy it.”
Auchinairn head teacher Garry Graham said: “I’m here to support the initiative that’s covering the whole of Bishopbriggs to promote cycling, and cycling awareness.
“We’re trying to promote a number of facets, one of which is to try and get children to cycle to school more regularly, to fit in with the health and wellbeing agenda – but it’s not just that from a school perspective. When children cycle to school they are more alert, they’re ready to learn, you do notice a big difference in behaviour throughout the school as well.”
Of having Chris jump over him, he said: “The first few times was a bit petrifying, but after that I actually trusted him immensely. He’s actually a very skilled young man.”
Cycling Scotland's Cycle Friendly School Award is a nationally recognised award for all Primary Schools in Scotland who are committed to increasing the number of children cycling to school.
ED's [East Dunbartonshire] Cycle Co-op has aimed to promote cycling to children and adults in East Dunbartonshire, encouraging the Bishopbriggs primary schools to sign up for award.
