College is wheely grateful for bikes

ON THEIR BIKES . . . From left, personal development advocate Ian Wheeler with students

STUDENTS at Oldham College have been getting back in the saddle after receiving 15 new bikes from Transport for Greater Manchester.

The college is one of 10 schools and colleges in Greater Manchester to receive free mountain bikes as part of the Cycle Schools and Colleges project.

The bikes, which arrived in January, are part of a £100,000 package which includes work stands, helmets, locks, lights and spare parts, as well as a grant to improve college infrastructure.

They will be used to encourage students to learn to ride, take mechanic sessions, and skills programmes both on site and within the local area and to develop cycling as a convenient travel option.

Ian Wheeler, personal development advocate at Oldham College, said: "Students are really excited to be part of the project and have access to 15 new bikes on site.

"They will really support learners' fitness and but also stretch and develop students as they'll maintain and fix them too."

Student Bryony Rogers, who cycles to college most days, said: "I can't wait to get started. We'll be able to use the bikes to get to all sorts of enrichment activities and can learn how to keep them on the roads through maintenance sessions too.

"Getting the bike sheds, lockers and showers improved will make a big difference to me every day."