Cycle to School Week to celebrate the joy of active journeys.
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Sustrans are calling on schools and families across the UK to take part in Cycle to School Week from 25 to 29 September to experience how travelling actively can be healthy, cheap and fun.
It has been estimated that more than two thirds of children between age five and 10 live less than a mile away from their school, almost two-thirds are driven the short distance. A Sustrans survey shows that around four out of every five children would like to make that journey by walking, wheeling, scooting or cycling.
Organised by The Bikeability Trust, in partnership with Sustrans, Cycle to School Week encourages families and schools to celebrate active journeys.
Participants can either choose to pledge to swap one car journey for cycling, cycle to school every day, or cycle with their family or discover somewhere new.
Schools are equipped with the tools to encourage their pupils to take part in the week, including presentations, activities and lesson plans created by Sustrans and The Bikeability Trust. The resources are available throughout the year on the Sustrans website, allowing schools to continue the conversation around active travel beyond Cycle to School Week.
- Research shows that 71% of UK school pupils are worried about climate change.
- Transport accounts for 27% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions
- Switching from the car to cycling, scooting or walking the school run can help reduce air pollution around the school gates.
In addition, getting active on the way to school provides a boost to children's physical health and wellbeing. Children arrive more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day. It improves our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing our self-esteem. There's reduced congestion and pollution around the school. Children are more aware of road safety and feel more independent.
