Four cycling ambassadors from Portlaoise College; Aeon, Celina, Kinga, and Emilia — have been recognised for their leadership and innovation in promoting cycling among girls.
As part of the national AndSheCycles campaign, the students travelled to Galway on May 1 to attend a special awards ceremony, where they celebrated their achievements alongside 11 other schools from across Ireland.
Their campaign which 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, 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 undoubtedly the Pink Cycle in Vicarstown — where Aeon, Celina, Kinga and Emilia led a group of Transition Year girls along the picturesque Barrow Way.
Speaking about the campaign, their 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.”
The AndSheCycles team’s success is a shining example of student leadership and what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to drive change.
SEE ALSO – Tailteann Cup: Wicklow put Laois to the sword to leave knockout chances in danger
