How a Glasgow nursery helped children take cycling confidence home
Novar Nursery wanted to give children more chances to learn and play outdoors, but there was a practical barrier in their outdoor space.
The bikes they already had were not fit for purpose. They were not reliable enough to use confidently in sessions, which meant cycling could not become the regular, inclusive activity the nursery wanted it to be.
When Chloe Minnis, the nursery’s Child Development Officer, started looking for solutions, she first asked about staff training.
That enquiry led her to our Play Together on Pedals programme and the Cycle Access Fund grants available through it. It felt like the right match, because it did not only provide new bikes. It also helped the nursery build the skills and confidence needed to make cycling part of everyday nursery life.
An immediate and practical change
With new bikes in place and staff trained, the change was immediate and practical. Cycling sessions could now run safely within nursery time, and staff felt confident checking bikes over and making sure they were properly maintained.
That removed a major barrier to running sessions regularly and helped make cycling something the nursery could offer consistently, not just occasionally.
The impact on children quickly became clear. Confidence grew as children became more comfortable riding, and some progressed from balance bikes to pedal bikes with repeated practice and encouragement.
The bikes also became a new way for children to challenge themselves and build physical skills through play.
For Chloe, one of the most meaningful examples involved three children who require additional support. Cycling became an activity they were drawn to, and their engagement during the sessions stood out.
They have really taken to the cycling sessions and have loved having the bikes at nursery. The parents have commented on the positive impact on the children at home.
They have improved their physical development and movement skills. It has been lovely to observe the children develop a bond together and create their own games to play together on the bikes
Building confidence and connection
The sessions were not only building cycling confidence, but also helping children connect with each other, cooperate and shape their own inclusive play.
The training element was just as important for making the change stick. By training multiple staff members, Novar Nursery strengthened its ability to keep sessions going, even when rotas change or teams shift.
Chloe described how positive the experience was for staff as well:
The staff had a great time taking part in the training, having so many staff members trained has helped ensure the sessions can continue
Plans for the future
As cycling became part of the nursery’s outdoor learning, it also helped raise awareness of cycling and travelling by cycle.
Novar Nursery is now looking to involve families more directly through stay and play sessions, with Cycling UK staff invited along to share knowledge and build confidence among parents.
The nursery is also hoping to apply for additional Cycle Access Fund money to develop a lending library, so families can borrow bikes and build skills beyond nursery, with the longer-term ambition of supporting more families to travel to nursery by cycle.
Reflecting on the journey, Chloe’s message is simple and heartfelt:
We have loved being involved, both staff and children have enjoyed the experience. It has been a good addition to our outdoor space and learning
This work has been made possible thanks to Glasgow City Council funding Play Together on Pedals in Glasgow through the People and Places Fund, helping nurseries like Novar invest in safe bikes, staff training, and long-term cycling opportunities for children and families.
