Pupils from six South Lanarkshire secondary schools explore the issues of safe and secure cycle storage, in a unique exhibition to be held at The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, between 31 August ﾖ 16 September.

The exhibition entitled 'Able to Design: cycling in the city' is the final outcome of a successful two-day course for pupils run by the Scottish Network of Able Pupils (SNAP) based at the University of Glasgow and The Lighthouse.

'Working with an architect, a designer and a range of expert witnesses, including a cycle courier and a community policeman, the pupils gathered photographic evidence and carried out interviews with the cycling public to inform brainstorming and design ideas sessions,' explains lecturer in Educational Studies Margaret Sutherland.

'The pupils then created 1:1 models of secure cycle stands. During the workshop participants went into a diary room, Big Brother style, to record their impressions of the workshop experience. The results were just fantastic!'

Sergeant Alex Kelly, Strathclyde Police, Community Safety Department, City Centre Police Office said: 'Working with the children and watching them develop their own practical ideas, which were designed with security in mind, proved to be very rewarding. This type of project has significant potential for further development and my colleagues and I from Strathclyde Police are delighted to support such innovative ventures.'

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

An exhibition of the process and final results of this event can be seen at The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow from 31 August - 16 September 2004. Pupils, parents and invited guests will attend a launch event in The Lighthouse on Wednesday 8 September 6.00-8.00pm.

PRESS and PHOTOGRAHERS are welcome to attend. Please contact the University Press Office on 0141 330-3535 in advance.

Unlike many other countries throughout the world Scotland has firmly embedded the education of able pupils within an increasingly inclusive education system. The Scottish Network for Able Pupils (SNAP) is a national organisation, supported by the Scottish Executive Education Department, with a remit to take forward the development of education for more able pupils within this inclusive framework. For more details on SNAP please see: SNAP website.

First published: 1 September 2004