School chiefs to lift ban on pupils' bikes

A ban on bikes will be lifted at a Black Country school after they were outlawed over health and safety fears.

Wodensborough Community Technology College, in Wednesbury, will drop the ban on cycles next year as part of its multi-million-pound Building Schools for the Future overhaul.

The school prohibited bicycles over fears youngsters would be knocked down or injured while on school grounds.

Headteacher Ken Ellis brought in the rule as Wodensborough has a narrow driveway that is used by 1,000 students and more than 100 cars, minibuses and taxis several times a day. But Sandwell education chief Councillor Ian Jones said today one entrance would be created just for vehicles and another for pupils as part of the BSF work.

"Our main concern is the safety of the children," he said.

"There is a very narrow driveway that is used by a lot of pupils and vehicles. But we will be looking at the issue as part of BSF and the plan is one entrance for all the vehicles and a separate one for the children.

"The bikes were banned because of the short-term problems, but they will be reintroduced."

Councillor Jones said staff were also considering installing cycle racks.

Wodensborough hit national headlines with its bike ban. Students who ride to school were asked to leave their bikes at the homes of friends or family who live nearby.