Schools in Northumberland are this week ( March 25 – April 5)  taking part The Big Pedal, a national event aimed at improving health while reducing traffic congestion at the school gates.

The event encourages pupils, parents and staff to use “human power” to make the journey to school, and calls on them to cycle, scoot or, for the first time this year, walk to school.

Journeys are logged on The Big Pedal website and are ranked daily against other schools in Northumberland and the UK.

The initiative is organised by national cycling charity Sustrans and supported by Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council. During last year’s event, more than a million journeys were logged nationally. 

The theme for this year’s challenge focuses on health, and all schools entering the competition will receive a human body wall chart with curriculum-based fact cards as well as posters, top tips and daily classroom activities to stimulate their learning.

Miss Scott, PE Teacher Chantry Middle School said:
“ Our children really enjoy taking part in the annual Big Pedal. It’s great to see so many of them walking to school or arriving on their bikes and scooters. Its an excellent way to promote a healthy lifestyle”

Mark Tweedie, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland  said:  The Big Pedal is a great idea, Active Northumberland work closely with schools and I’m delighted that schools are supporting it. It’s a fantastic way to encourage more children to cycle, walk or scoot instead of taking the car. We all know that this is great for our environment and our health.”