This community initiative aims to inspire the next generation of cyclists while supporting the health, wellbeing, and connectivity goals of the Northumberland Line Project. The Northumberland Line reintroduced passenger train services in December 2024, between Ashington and Newcastle, and includes the construction of six new stations along the line.

As part of its commitment to leaving a sustainable legacy for the communities surrounding the line, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has partnered with Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Libraries, and Places for People to deliver this innovative project. By promoting active travel and supporting the Northumberland Line Project’s connectivity plan, the initiative aligns with the health and wellbeing strategies of key community stakeholders.

Promoting cycling from an early age

The Ashington Balance Bike Library provides a fleet of 20 balance bikes, along with associated safety equipment and display units, conveniently located in Ashington’s Community Library and Leisure Centre. Schools can book these bikes free of charge in clusters of 10, allowing groups of young children to participate in fun and educational cycling sessions.

To support educators, the initiative includes a balance bike delivery guide with session ideas, sustainable transport information, road safety tips, and resources on library services. This comprehensive approach ensures that schools can maximise the benefits of the program while creating a culture of safe and active travel and connecting young people to the local library network.

A vision for health and sustainability

The Ashington Balance Bike Library initiative seeks to make cycling an enjoyable and accessible activity for children from a young age. By introducing them to safe cycling and journey planning, the program aims to:

• Encourage young people to embrace cycling for health, fitness, and fun.
• Promote cycling as a convenient option for short trips to school, shops, and social outings.
• Inspire lifelong cycling habits that contribute to sustainable transport and reduced reliance on cars.

Chris Dransfield, Head of Social Value, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure – Rail said:

“This is a fabulous example of a thoughtful, well-planned and collaborative social value initiative, which meets identified community needs, adds value to existing provision locally and aligns with sustainable transport and health and wellbeing strategic ambitions at a regional level. We’re very proud to be sponsoring such a fabulous scheme and look forward to it making a real difference for many young people.”

A lasting community legacy

This initiative underscores Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s dedication to enhancing communities along the Northumberland Line. By encouraging active travel and sustainability, the Ashington Balance Bike Library will provide long-term benefits well beyond the construction phase of the project.

Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives with Northumberland County Council added: “This is a great initiative which encourages more people to cycle from a very early age and enjoy all the health benefits it brings.

“Whatever your age Northumberland is a fantastic place to explore and enjoy by bike, even if it's your own neighbourhood, and I hope as many schools as possible are able to get involved with this fantastic scheme.”

Ed Clark, Senior Programme Transport Officer, Northumberland County Council said;

“During the inaugural Ashington balance bike training sessions, delivered by Kathy and Jan from Cycling with Jan, pupils from Central Primary School discussed the benefits of active travel and how they can explore multi modal opportunities by walking or cycling to the new Northumberland line stations.

“The pupils also got to experience the new balance bikes, taking part in a series of games. Each game is designed and tailored to progress a rider's bicycle control skills whilst also equipping the perspective young riders with etiquette to ride in areas such as shared spaces with pedestrians. Over the 30 minute session, each rider demonstrated progression in their cycling confidence, but also a development of their gross motor skills.”

Kathleen Hindhaugh, Library Supervisor Ashington/Blyth group, Public Health, Inequalities & Stronger Communities Together said;

“The launch today has been brilliant, the children as well as the adults have had a great time. The partnership working between Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Strategic transport, Places leisure, Tom from Plyable and Ashington library has proved that teamwork really does benefit us all, promoting all of our services and delivering extra benefits for our schools and communities. Thank you again for your continued support.”

We invited pupils from Central Primary School, Ashington to join us to test out the new bikes.

Louise Elliott, Assistant Head of Central Primary School said;

“Thank you for such a wonderful event today. What an incredible event for our children to be involved in! They have returned to school excited to tell their friends and families about the bikes. Thank you to those who arranged both the event today and the balance bike lending scheme. We will certainly be promoting it amongst our families here at Central Primary School. Everyone at the event made our children feel so special and we, as a school, could not be prouder of the way they represented us today.”

“I had fun. I was really good on the bikes and the lady told me how to do it. I was going so fast. I was going ZOOOOM! (Finley aged 4)

“I like my train I made with my name on it. It's so many colours.” (Radia aged 5)

Ruth Cook, Early Years Family Engagement Practitioner, Ashington Learning Partnership added;

“Today provided a valuable opportunity to build and strengthen links between Central Primary School and The Northumberland Library Service. I look forward to exploring how we can further meet the needs of our families through this partnership.”

For more information about the Ashington Balance Bike based at the library, please email  [email protected]

You can also find out more about cycle training sessions with Jan here: Registered Cycle Instructor in Northumberland - Cycle With Jan