PUPILS from 18 Wirral primary schools have been given a boost to get them to and from school quicker and more safely by cycling.

They have taken part in the 'Scooting Stars' programme, just one of the many road safety activities and resources available to Wirral Schools.

Focused around scooters, which are a fun and versatile option for travelling to and from school, the Scooting Star sessions show children another alternative option to travel to school whether that’s the whole journey or just for the last leg of it. For the many children that already travel to school in this way, the project also helps to reinforce how to scoot in the best and safest way.

There is a full programme of activities available to all ages delivered by the council’s road safety team and by partners including cycle training, bling your ride, bike marking, Key Stage 2 Independent Travel Session, Modeshift Accreditation and the Junior Travel Ambassadors scheme.

Targeted at children in reception and Key Stage 1, the energetic sessions get children excited about travelling in healthier and more active ways by using a series of imaginative games to learn skills such as braking, control and balance, turn taking, team working and listening as well as how to respect others who may be using the pavements too.

Primary schools that have taken part in the training so far include St Albans, Grove Street, Christ Church Birkenhead, Prenton, Bidston Avenue, Somerville, Mersey Park, Christ the King, Oxton St Saviours, Liscard, Heswall, Castleway, Riverside, St Andrews, Hoylake Holy Trinity, Heygarth, Mount and Greenleas.

Cllr Liz Grey, chair of Wirral's environment, climate emergency and transport committee, said: "It is so important that from a young age, children are taught how to enjoy being healthy and safe and this includes active travel.

"We have long-offered cycle training and sessions where children can ‘bling their ride’ to make the journey to school more exciting – but by offering specific sessions where little ones can learn how to ride their scooters safely and respectfully – this will help to make sure our children are safe, happy and healthy no matter how they travel to school".

To find out more about road safety in Wirral, including the support available to schools, visit www.wirral.gov.uk/roadsafety