Young scooters and wheelers are getting on board with a new project that aims to inspire community, culture and physical activity across Barnsley.
Triple Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy joined youngsters showing off their skills with the Leader of Barnsley Council, Sir Stephen Houghton, and the Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor James Michael Stowe, to launch RampUp in The Glass Works Square at Barnsley’s Big Weekend.
RampUp’s informal and relaxed sessions offer young people the chance to get active, enjoy cycling and scooting for fun, and encourage the use of active travel.
The project has been visiting schools around the borough in recent weeks and has an exciting summer programme planned which will see a series of events take place within communities across Barnsley.
Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We want to encourage every child in Barnsley to take every opportunity to be active and this project contributes to that by helping to develop skills and provide the enjoyment of being on a bike or scooter, with a bit of excitement thrown in too.
“We’re proud to be developing services that support our young people’s health and I would like to thank our partners for their help in funding this programme, making these fun and exciting activities free for our children and young people to enjoy.”
The RampUp unit is fully equipped with a range of multi-purpose, portable street ramps for all abilities from beginner to expert. Participants are welcome to bring their own bike or scooter, but free hire of BMX bikes and scooters is available so everyone can join in. Helmets are also provided and must be worn by riders at all times.
A signed consent form, which can be completed at the RampUp session or via a QR code found on posters and our website, is needed to take part. Children under eight are required to have a parent/carer present during the session
RampUp is part of our summer activities programme, including the Barnsley Summer Challenge. Visit barnsley.gov.uk/whats-your-move/school-holiday-activities-2023 for more information.
Councillor James Higginbottom, Cabinet spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said: “This is a brilliant and innovative way of engaging children and young people in cycling and scooter use; enabling them to lead a more active lifestyle both now and for when they are older.
“We have a fantastic network of off-road routes across the borough, into which we are delivering substantial active travel investment. This is critical to enable people to walk and cycle more frequently and to help support our ambition of a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Barnsley.”
Ed Clancy, Olympic gold medallist and South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, added: “Children make the benefits of cycling and scooting clear to see - it's fast, fun and brings the freedom to explore and connect with family and friends.
“The RampUp project will not only build confidence in active travel, but has the potential to support activity, creativity and inclusivity across the Borough. Because enabling more walking, wheeling and cycling benefits everyone, through cleaner air, healthier lives and a better future.”
