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FORMER OLYMPIAN SHARRON DAVIES BACKS BIG PEDAL TO CHALLENGE CHILDREN TO CYCLE AND SCOOT TO SCHOOL
Former Olympian and TV presenter Sharron Davies is encouraging families to cycle and scoot the school run by taking part in The Big Pedal, an inter-school competition organised by the charity Sustrans.
Sharron Davies MBE, Olympic medallist and founder of www.Parents4sports.com said:
“Parents are often bombarded with advice on keeping their children healthy and while they’re juggling family-life with work-life the potential of the school run can easily be overlooked.
“When children live near to school, changing their journey can transform their health by incorporating a little exercise into their daily routines - before the school bell rings.”
Sharron, who cycles or scoots with her son to school every day, continued:
“I believe that an active journey to school should become a part of a family’s morning routine, just like brushing your teeth.
“That’s why I’m encouraging schools across the UK to take part in The Big Pedal this March, and give cycling and scooting to school a try.”
The Big Pedal (2 - 20th March, 2015) encourages pupils to lead healthier lives and reduce traffic around the school gates, by challenging them cycle or scoot their journey to school for 10 days.
Last year over 1,200 schools took part in the event and teachers, parents and pupils made over a million journeys (1,142,374) to school on their bikes and scooters.
A survey of teachers at schools that took part in the competition last year revealed:
- 76% said that pupils continued to cycle and scoot to school following the event
- 39% said that pupils who took part were noticeably happier throughout the day
- 29% said the event reduced traffic congestion around the school
Ben Merry, Programme Development Officer at Sustrans said:
“The Big Pedal proves that when cycling and scooting is part of the daily routine it can play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of our children.”
“Schools can now register for The Big Pedal 2015, and I guarantee that parents, teachers and the children will all benefit from giving cycling and scooting to school a go.”
Run by charity Sustrans and funded by the Bicycle Association on behalf of the cycle industry through its Bike Hub scheme, The Big Pedal has become the UK’s largest cycling and scooting competition.
To register in The Big Pedal 2015 go to: www.bigpedal.org.uk