School bans pupils from getting on their bikes

A school in Wednesbury has banned pupils from cycling to lessons – because staff are worried about youngsters being knocked down or injured.

Pupils have now been stopped from bringing bikes on to the site at Wodensborough Community Technology College because staff are worried about youngsters putting themselves in a vulnerable position on school grounds.

But a councillor today branded the move "ludicrous" and said it went against everything the council was trying to achieve in getting more youngsters fit and active.

Students who cycle to school have been asked to leave their bikes at the homes of friends and family who live nearby.

But Councillor Mavis Hughes said that at least two youngsters had already had their bicycles stolen after chaining them up outside the site in Hydes Road.

The school would not comment other than to refer to a letter sent out in which headteacher Ken Ellis said: "Reluctantly, on the grounds of health and safety, we have asked students not to bring cycles to school. We have one relatively narrow drive into school and several times a day 1,000 students and more than 100 cars, minibuses and taxis use this."