Laois teen ambassadors honoured for promoting cycling among girls

FOUR cycling ambassadors from Portlaoise College have been recognised for their leadership and innovation in promoting cycling among girls.

As part of the national ‘AndSheCycles’ campaign, Aeon, Celina, Kinga and Emilia travelled to Galway on 1 May to attend a special awards ceremony, where they celebrated their achievements alongside 11 other schools from across Ireland.

The students’ campaign ranged from hosting an informative and practical bike repair and safety workshop, to conducting a cyclability audit around the local area with Laois County Council, which saw the team tackle many barriers to cycling.

They also led the school in the Big Travel Challenge, successfully encouraging more girls to choose cycling as their mode of transport.

The highlight of their campaign was the Pink Cycle in Vicarstown, where they led a group of transition year girls along the Barrow Way.

Speaking about the campaign, teacher Sarah Rowan said: “These students showed such initiative and leadership throughout the ‘AndSheCycles’ programme. They identified real barriers, created inclusive events and inspired their peers to get involved.”