Bike woman gets national prize

Dec 7 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

She’s always keen to get on her bike.

And cycle queen Mary Garrett has taken her bow on the national stage after landing a top award.

As a road safety officer with South Ayrshire Council, active Mary plays a key role in the community.

Now her love of two wheels has resulted in Cycling Scotland giving her a well deserved pat on the back.

Mary explained: “My role is train cycling instructors at schools around South Ayrshire, making sure our kids have the best standard of training.

“There is now a national level which they must adhere to, which is delivered by parents, teachers and other volunteers.

“I work closely with those volunteers to make sure they know what’s required in the training.

“I may have been recognised by Cycle Scotland for the role I play, but I’m just part of the effort in our schools.”

Mary was given a special commendation after being nominated for Bikeability Scotland co-ordinator of the year.

Paul Wright, development officer at Cycle Scotland, said: “Despite only working part time, Mary has effectively led a revolution in local cycle training, ensuring all supported schools deliver on-road training by trained instructors.

A sustained focus on quality rather than quantity has led South Ayrshire to an on-road delivery rate almost twice the national average, and with a wide base of volunteer support.”

The training which Mary helps deliver is open to more than 40 primary schools.