A school in Bournemouth has become Dorset’s top school for cycling and scooting as part of this year’s national ‘Big Pedal’ competition.
Over three quarters of the children from St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary School took part in the ‘Big Pedal’, the UK’s largest inter school cycling and scooting competition.
31schools from across Dorset entered the national competition which saw schools compete to achieve the most journeys by bike and scooter to school in a two week period.
St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary pedalled their way to victory with a whopping 2,926 journeys made in two weeks crowning them first place for Dorset. And to celebrate their success the school is set for an afternoon of jaw dropping tricks, jumps and stunts next week (Monday 16 June) when Savage Skills UK – the Country’s leading freestyle stunt show – pays them a visit.
Supported by Bournemouth Borough Council and organised by Sustrans charity, 10 schools across Bournemouth took part in the national competition.
Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “I would like to congratulate the children at St Mark’s Church of England Aided Primary on such a fantastic achievement and for putting Bournemouth ahead of the game. It is great to see so many Bournemouth schools participate in such events and enjoy the benefits of travelling to school by bike and scooter.
“As a town we are committed to making cycling easier, safer and more attractive so we can encourage more people to take to two wheels in and around Bournemouth.”
Emily Goldsmith, Sustrans Bike It Plus Officer said, “It’s been amazing to see so many families getting involved in the ‘Big Pedal’ and having fun cycling and scooting to school. The school has worked really hard to help children keep fit and healthy through sustainable travel and it’s great to see them enjoy their well deserved prize.”
The competition complements Bournemouth Borough Council’s Getting About initiative which is the town’s largest travel awareness programme. The scheme aims to provide improved travel choices such as cycling, walking, using public transport and car-sharing.
