Pupils who cycled, walked or scooted into Whitchurch Primary School in Cardiff North this morning were rewarded with a free breakfast, as part of their efforts to win a national competition.
Cheering on the efforts of pupils, parents and staff in the Big Pedal was local Cardiff North AM Julie Morgan. Over 50 breakfasts were served on the day – including fruit smoothies made using the school’s own bicycle smoothie maker.
The school is encouraging its pupils to jump on their bikes and scooters for The Big Pedal, 2–20 March 2015, a UK-wide challenge organised by charity Sustrans which aims to get more children active.
Hundreds of thousands of pupils are expected to take part in The Big Pedal 2015, an inter-school competition which challenges children to cycle and scoot to school and is funded by the Bicycle Association on behalf of the cycle industry through its Bike Hub scheme.
Ann Griffin, Head Teacher at Whitchurch Primary School, said, “We’re really excited to be taking part in The Big Pedal. We hope that by encouraging our children to walk, cycle and scoot to school over the next two weeks that we will see a reduction in congestion and pollution around the school gates, and help the children feel healthier and happier.”
Julie Morgan, Cardiff North AM, said, “It’s a real pleasure to see so many children cycling, walking and scooting into school here at Whitchurch Primary – and see all the happy, smiling faces.
“Getting more children travelling actively to school is good for their health and the environment. I wish the school every success in the Big Pedal.”
Carys Thomas, Deputy Director at Sustrans Cymru, said,
“The average primary school journey in Wales is just 1.4 miles – the perfect distance to walk or cycle
“The Big Pedal is fun, inclusive and it helps schools to encourage whole families to lead more active lives, as well as reducing car traffic and pollution around the school gates – as shown here by Whitchurch Primary pupils enjoying their bike breakfast.
“Although the competition runs for three weeks, it has a lasting effect on the way that the school community travel to school; last year 76% of schools who took part in the Big Pedal said that pupils continued to cycle and scoot to school following the event.”
To find out more about taking part in the Big Pedal go to: www.bigpedal.org.uk
