Primary schools win national awards for walking and cycling

TWO Lanarkshire schools have won national awards for walking and cycling. Wester Overton Primary School in Strathaven and St John’s Primary School in Blackwood scooped the prizes for the Big Walk and Wheel challenge.

Wester Overton Primary School won in the ‘large primary school’ category – coming first place for Scotland and 16th nationally.

Headteacher June Moir said: “The school community are delighted to have been awarded first place in the Scottish Large Primary Schools category of the Big Walk and Wheel.

“The reduction in traffic around the school during the Sustrans Big

Walk and Wheel has been incredible, with over 95% of our children choosing to walk, scoot or cycle to school.

“Every child tried really hard to take part and our parents have been amazingly supportive, encouraging children to be more active in their school journey.

“We have eight Bikeability trainers who worked really hard with our P5 and P6 pupils to complete their bikeability training over the two weeks, which helped get everyone cycling.

“The local bike shop, The Bike Barn, fixed up our bikes and donated two more, so it was a community effort.”

St John’s Primary won in the ‘small primary school’ category where it tied first place for Scotland with two other schools and the same position nationally.

Head teacher Yvonne McCart said: “A huge well done to our pupils for achieving first place in the Big Walk and Wheel challenge in the small school category.

“Thank you to everyone who scooted, walked, and wheeled their way to school, with special thanks to Abbie and Corey, our junior road safety officers, who oversaw the event.

“Thanks also to Mrs Carty, one of our school support assistants, who works with the JRSO.”

The Big Walk and Wheel Challenge took place between March 21 and April 1 this year. The event was organised by Sunstrans, a UK walking, wheeling and cycling charity.