Gabriella Farquhar was recently named as the Bikeability Volunteer of the Year by Bikeability Scotland - the national cycling programme for children.
The accolade recognises the enthusiasm and dedication of trainers across the country, who teach bike skills and on-road cycle training to youngsters.
Gabriella was hailed as a beacon of positivity and a passionate advocate of safe cycling as she was announced as the award winner.
The mum of two from Bridge of Allan has organised and run Bikeability Scotland sessions at the town’s primary school for the past four years.
More than 250 pupils have come through the programme in that time, and Gabriella has also gained the support of parents who have gone on to become volunteer instructors themselves.
Gabriella was presented with her award at Bridge of Allan PS earlier this month by Marianne Scott, Cycling Scotland Regional Cycle Training & Development Officer.
Gabriella said: “I was really surprised but delighted to be recognised with this award, and it was extra special to be presented with it in front of the pupils at the school.
“When I was growing up, people invested their time in me and helped me learn to cycle and I really enjoy giving something back now to the children. Watching them progress on the bike and seeing their confidence grow is really rewarding.
“Across Stirling we are trying to get more people to cycle and walk, and these skills will stay with the children for the rest of their life and keep them safe on the roads.”
Cycling Scotland co-ordinates Bikeability Scotland and more than 36,000 pupils participated in the programme last year.
David Collins, Bikeability Scotland Development Officer, said: “There is so much excellent work going on across Scotland to get people, of all ages and abilities, cycling more often.
“Our Bikeability Scotland trainers help us to grow confidence in young people and to teach an essential life skill of riding a bike.
“These awards are a great way to recognise their work, and it is especially pleasing that the pupils themselves have a chance to nominate the trainers who so obviously make a difference to their lives.”
Picture shows Lyndsay Macnair, Bridge of Allan Primary School Headteacher, Angela Barron, Recyke-a-bike CEO, Marianne Scott from Cycling Scotland, Gabriella Farquhar, Vicki Stevenson, and Phil Jones, Development Manager at Recyke-a-bike.
