Phil Thornley is our I Bike Officer for Aberdeenshire.
The I Bike project arrived in Aberdeenshire during May 2016. Since starting as an I Bike Officer, I have been busy introducing the project to key stakeholders within the local authority including Head Teachers, Active Schools Officers and representatives from partnership agencies, including The Forestry Commission, Ranger Service and Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Studies. During the first six months, I have spent time undertaking essential training courses and delivering structured training sessions, led rides and promotional events.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I really enjoy delivering all of the I Bike sessions but take great satisfaction from encouraging children who find riding a bike to be difficult and watch their confidence and enthusiasm flourish during skill sessions.
What are you trying to do?
I am continually developing fun and structured activities to give parents the confidence to allow their children to cycle to school, and therefore reducing the amount of vehicle traffic on roads surrounding school premises.
How are you doing it?
I am doing this through structured skills sessions, increasing road safety awareness, introduction to bike mechanics and on-road training via the Cycling Scotland Bikeability syllabus.
What’s the best bit about the job?
Delivering led rides, taking the children out of the classroom and into the outdoor environment to learn new skills is very rewarding.
Which schools are you currently working with?
- Inverurie Market Place Primary School
- Kellands Primary School
- Port Elphinstone Primary School
- Strathburn Primary School
- Kintore Primary School
- The Gordon School
- Inverurie Academy
Upcoming events / I Bike news
In 2016 I successfully delivered my first Bikeability courses, set up a number of girls cycling clubs and organised a light festival event in Inverurie, attracting over 100 children/parents to cycle on a traffic free route within Kellands Park, Inverurie whilst dressed in fairy lights. I have been busy planning new activities for delivery in 2017. These include geocaching, led walks, bike maintenance and active travel breakfasts.