The inaugural Cambuslang Schools Bike Fest drew more than 170 participants, families and supporters to Clyde Cycle Park on Saturday, August 22.
Funded as part of Scottish Cycling’s Summer of Sport 2026 initiative, the free community festival brought local school communities together to celebrate active travel, youth sports and outdoor fun.
Relay competition highlights
The highlight of the afternoon was the Schools Cycle Relay Competition, which featured 72 children from local primaries going wheel-to-wheel on the park circuit. The relay was closely fought by teams mainly from James Aiton Primary, Newton Farm Primary, St Cadoc’s Primary and West Coats Primary.
The fastest times were set by two teams from Newton Farm Primary, who were awarded gold and silver medals. The bronze medals were claimed by the determined riders from West Coats Primary, just edging out the teams from James Aiton and St Cadoc’s. Newton Farm PS were also awarded the first Cambuslang Schools Bike Fest trophy sponsored by Scottish Cycling.
Medals and trophy presentations
The medals were presented by Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey, who said: “It was lovely to attend Clyde Cycle Park’s Schools Bike Fest. I had the pleasure of presenting the medals to the first, second and third -placed teams, but I also want to congratulate everyone who took part.
“The turnout from local children and young people, and their families, was incredible and it was evident just how much everyone enjoyed themselves. A huge well done to the organisers and all the volunteers who made the day such a great success.”
The Bike Fest trophy was presented to the Newton Farm Primary team by Rutherglen MP Michael Shanks, who said: “I was delighted to present the Cambuslang Schools Bike Fest trophy after such a hard-fought cycling relay race.
“The Clyde Cycle Park is a hugely positive development in our community and it was fantastic to see so many young people and their families turn out for this first Cambuslang schools event. My thanks to all the team who made this a success and well done to all the young people for their achievements on the day.”
Activities and community response
In addition to the school trophy race, the Bike Fest offered an opportunity for everyone to cycle the Clyde Cycle Park circuit. Participants also witnessed a demonstration of trials bike riding by Scottish Trials Rider and UCI British Champion Sara Tait, which encouraged some primary school children to try trials bikes themselves.
The smoothie bike was popular, with many young people pedalling furiously to create their fruit smoothies. For children who didn’t bring a bike, Clyde Cycle Park provided local bikes to ensure no child was left on the sidelines. Family-owned bike retailer Philip Lang had a stand at the festival showing off a range of affordable bikes and accessories.
Every participant in the relay competition was given a goody bag including caramel wafers donated by Tunnock’s and a bike bell donated by Philip Lang.
Catherine Meechan, head teacher at Newton Farm Primary, said: “Our pupils had an amazing day at Bike Fest and thoroughly enjoyed all the activities on offer.
“They had been very keen to participate in the schools’ relay competition as they all love riding their bikes to and from school and out in the community, and they are very pleased to have been so successful in the competition.
“It was a great opportunity for them to have fun at a fantastic local resource and meet friends from other schools. Thank you to everyone who organised the event and provided the trophy, medals and goody bags for the competitors.”
Kathleen Faloon, head teacher at St Cadoc’s Primary, agreed, saying: “We are bursting with pride for our Team St Cadoc’s cyclists who took part in the Cambuslang Schools Bike Fest!
“It was wonderful to see them embrace a new sporting challenge with such energy and teamwork. Events like this are fantastic for showing our children the joy of trying something different and discovering new ways to stay active and healthy.”
Kerry McGhee, head teacher of James Aiton Primary, said: “James Aiton has been taking part in coaching sessions at Clyde Cycle Park for more than three years, and many of our young people have learnt cycling skills at the Park.
“We were delighted to participate in this first Bike Fest which was a lot of fun for our young people and their families.”
Mireia Ferrer, chair of West Coats Primary Parent Council, said: “What a brilliant time was had by all cycling out in a sunny afternoon with their friends. A phenomenal event getting the kids involved in sports.
“It was a rewarding experience and it was amazing to see the support across all the schools. We are very thankful for the opportunity, and we hope there will be more to come!”
John Bachtler, Chair of Clyde Cycle Park, said: “This was our first Bike Fest for local schools, and we were overwhelmed by the fantastic response with 72 young people taking part in the relay competition.
“We are very grateful to school staff and parents who put together entries during a busy period at the start of a new school year. It was so heartening to see the enthusiasm of the children, their commitment to their team and school, their encouragement and support for each other, and their joy in cycling.
“We hope to make this an annual competition and extend it to other schools and communities.”
