Nine-year-old Harrison Brown went from being unable to ride a bike to the local BMX track in less than a month thanks to one of our schools’ officers.
Harrison Brown pictured with Active School Travel Officer, Johnny McCrystal. Credit: McKinney Primary School
Learning to ride a bike is a feeling you never forget. But for Harrison, it felt like it may never happen. His family had been trying to help him ride his bike for years, but it just hadn’t ‘clicked’ - until he plucked up the courage to ask for help from an expert.Ìý
Harrison is a pupil at McKinney Primary School in Dundrod, County Antrim which takes part in the Active School Travel programme. Through this, the school enjoys regular visits from a GTVÊÓƵ Active Travel Officer, Johnny McCrystal, to help pupils acquire the skills and confidence to choose active travel journeys when possible.Ìý
One day, Harrison took it upon himself to speak to the school’s Active Travel Champion teacher, Lois Trimble and explain that he couldn’t ride a bike but would like to learn. Lois then hatched a plan with Johnny to create an opportunity for Harrison to have a one-to-one session that would suit his style of learning.Ìý
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A source of frustration and anxiety
Jamie Brown, Harrison’s mum, explained: “Harrison presents with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and one of his main challenges is that he is very hard on himself. When presented with something new, he immediately shuts down and doesn't give himself an opportunity to learn.â€ÌýÌý
The family had been trying to help Harrison learn to ride a bike since he was four years old, trying various tactics and bikes, but nothing worked, and it had become a source of real frustration and anxiety for Harrison.ÌýÌýÌý
Now, with a plan in place, there was an opportunity for Harrison to overcome the obstacles which had held him back.Ìý
When the big day arrived, Jamie said: “We met Johnny, and he immediately made such a positive impression on Harrison with his personality and how he was there just for Harrison.ÌýÌý
“Johnny didn't mention ‘teaching’ him to ride a bike, but he was just talking to him and getting him to do little challenges whilst chatting and riding around beside him.ÌýÌý
“I knew Harrison really liked him because he was fully engaged, chatting to Johnny and totally forgetting that I was there or that he was actually doing something he had a massive fear of doing.Ìý
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'We are forever grateful'
Jamie continued: “Riding a bike is something we just presume all children learn, but Harrison, due to how he deals with his emotions, just mentally couldn't allow himself the chance to learn. We were so fortunate that the school introduced us to Johnny. Without him, we would be still making excuses as to why Harrison couldn't ride a bike.Ìý
“Harrison came straight home that day and cycled all around for hours. It's been the same every day - home from school, straight out on the bike. And within three weeks of our lesson with Johnny, Harrison now goes to the local BMX track and absolutely loves it.â€Ìý
The proud mum added: “We cannot thank Johnny enough for his ability to read Harrison and use the correct techniques to make him feel comfortable and teach him without Harrison even realising.ÌýÌý
“I am sure there are many other children like Harrison who would really benefit from someone like Johnny in their life. We are forever grateful.â€Ìý
Harrison's cycling confidence has flourished since his one-to-one session with Johnny as part of the Active School Travel programme. Credit: McKinney Primary School
Beth Harding, Active School Travel Manager, was delighted to hear Harrison’s story.Ìý
She said: “Learning to ride a bike is a vital life skill that encourages physical activity while promoting confidence and independence. It also raises awareness of a clean and sustainable mode of travel at an early age that can continue into later life.Ìý
“Our Active Travel Officers work in schools throughout Northern Ireland, making an impact on so many children just like Johnny has with Harrison. The confidence and self-belief that this has given Harrison is incredible and will have a lasting impact for the rest of his life.â€Ìý
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A very special life moment
Beth continued: “In the past school year, we have delivered almost 60 ‘learn to ride’ sessions with over 340 children attending schools participating in the Active School Travel Programme, which is funded by the Public Health Agency and the Department for Infrastructure.ÌýÌý
“We invite parents and carers to join these sessions to witness this very special life moment, and to help reinforce the learning techniques we use to continue practicing at home. We offer ‘learn to ride’ sessions for children and young people of all ages.â€Ìý
Apply to join the Active School Travel Programme for 2024 - 25 - deadline is Friday 27th September 2024.
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Contact the schools' team to find out more about the Active School Travel Programme.
