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Tuesday 14 Oct 2025

Scotland’s railway helps put pupils on bikes at Glasgow school

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail and Story Contracting have donated 22 refurbished bikes to pupils at St Anne’s Primary School in Glasgow.  

The donation is part of the Scotland’s Railway Schools Partnership initiative, which delivers a year’s worth of investment, lessons and workshops centred around key priorities for the railway including safety, career opportunities, and active travel. 

The bikes are intended for pupils who may not have one at home. By making them available at school, children have the opportunity to cycle with their classmates. It’s a simple way to support physical activity, build confidence, and encourage inclusion. 

Each bike was also delivered with a helmet, lights and a jacket to ensure pupils can cycle safely.  

Jeremy Spence, route delivery director at Network Rail, said: “It’s so important that we give something back to the areas we work in. Schools like St Anne’s are at the heart of our communities, and we’re proud to support them in ways that make a real difference to pupils’ everyday lives. 

“Cycling is a great way for children to stay active, build independence, and enjoy time outdoors. For some pupils, this might be their first bike and that’s a big moment, which we hope opens up new opportunities for them.” 

Network Rail has also carried out landscaping work in the central playground of St Anne’s. The improvements have made the space cleaner, safer, and more accessible. Staff and pupils have also taken part in rail safety sessions, helping raise awareness of safe behaviour around railway infrastructure. 

Story Contracting, which partnered in the delivery of the bikes, provided all the safety equipment. 

Alan Davidson, senior construction manager at Story Contracting, said: “Story Contracting is proud to continue supporting Scotland’s Railway Schools Partnership Initiative.  

“We were delighted to assist in the delivery of 22 refurbished bikes from Network Rail, along with Story, providing helmets, lights, and safety jackets, to St Anne’s Primary School in Glasgow.  

“This contribution is part of our ongoing commitment to creating lasting social value and supporting young people in our communities. We look forward to continuing our involvement and helping deliver even more resources and opportunities in the future.” 

St Anne’s Primary is one of four schools across Scotland currently partnered with Network Rail. The others are Camdean Primary in Rosyth, Goodlyburn Primary in Perth, and Blacklands Primary in Kilwinning. 

Each partnership runs for one year and focuses on improving school facilities, promoting rail safety, and supporting wider wellbeing initiatives.