New Fairfields Primary School Bike Bus scheme launched

The ride took place in Basingstoke, marking the first journey of the initiative at Fairfields Primary School.

Forty children and parents took part in the group ride from five pick-up points, arriving at school to cheers and applause from classmates and staff.

Fairfields Primary School has celebrated the success of a new Bike Bus scheme. (Image: Fairfields Primary School) Shannon Barrie, a parent and PTA member who organised the event, said: "It was honestly one of the happiest school drop-offs I’ve ever seen.

"Every child riding in felt like part of something special and you could see how proud they were of themselves.

"It was brilliant to see so many parents riding along too and the whole community getting involved."

The event formed part of the national Bike Week celebrations and aims to encourage more children to cycle to school regularly.

The impact was immediate, with daily bike numbers rising to 105 from the usual 10 to 20.

Shannon said: "It can be hard to build regular movement into the school day, but encouraging active journeys like this is one of the best ways to help children arrive energised, happy and ready to learn."