Our Green Schools Committee is currently working very hard towards achieving the school’s third Green Flag, the Travel Flag. The Committee was invited to apply for the supply of bike racks and shelters on behalf of the school by Westmeath County Council, through the council’s Active Travel Funding programme. The council’s provision of these facilities and infrastructure forms part of the national aim to encourage healthier mobility choices, relieve traffic congestion, improve the environment, and help tackle the climate crisis.
The Committee was thrilled to receive two bike racks and shelters just before Christmas and to see them erected on the school’s reopening at the start of January. They wish to encourage their classmates to cycle to school as often as possible. While the first couple of weeks of the new school term have not provided the most ideal cycling weather, they are looking forward to the arrival of spring with its brighter mornings and evenings, drier conditions, and milder weather, which will hopefully entice as many Bower girls as possible to take to their bikes.
We extend our thanks to Rachel Brown and the Active Travel Team of Westmeath County Council. The Green Schools Committee would also like to thank Cllr. Louise Heavin who has worked so hard to promote cycling and make Athlone a cycle friendly town.