Youngsters get on their bikes to join record breaker
WORLD recordbreaking cyclist Mark Beaumont launched Sustrans’ Big Pedal at Torkington Primary School in Hazel Grove.
The Big Pedal, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting challenge, is designed to inspire pupils, staff and parents to travel to school on two wheels.
On each day of the challenge, which runs from April 23 to May 4, schools compete to see which can record the greatest number of people cycling or scooting in to school.
A school’s best five days will determine its final position on the Big Pedal leaderboard and schools with more than 15 per cent of people arriving on two wheels are entered into daily prize draws for rewards such as bike stunt shows and cycling equipment.
Mark Beaumont said: “We need to encourage more children and parents to walk, scoot or cycle to school by shouting about the benefits of travelling actively for shorter journeys.
“Fewer cars around school gates will play a significant role in reducing congestion and improving the quality of the air we breathe.
“Events like the Big Pedal can demonstrate to children, parents and teachers just how easy it can be to travel actively to and from school.”
Torkington Primary School headteacher Andy Buckler added: “Safety is the number one concern for parents when travelling into school.
“The roads are extremely congested, especially at the moment because a new bypass is being built near the airport.
“We also have limited parking at the school which means there are cars everywhere in the morning and it can be quite hectic.”