Hundreds of Island youngsters have been getting fit and helping the environment by cycling, scooting and walking to and from school.
Children across the Island were asked to keep a record during February of every day they chose to travel actively.
810 pupils completed the Active Travel Challenge
In total, 810 pupils completed the Active Travel Challenge and nearly 13,000 hours of active travel were recorded over the course of the month.
Prizes were available through a prize draw and every child that took part received a water bottle for their hard work.
More than 300 of these bottles were delivered by People Powered e-cargo bikes, cutting down the van mileage.
One of the top prizes was won by Minari Fernando, of Nine Acres Primary School, Newport, who was over the moon with her new mountain bike.
The Isle of Wight Council is keen to encourage more parents and pupils to choose active travel for the school run and other everyday journeys.
Free bike safety checks
Earlier in the year, the council partnered with Adrian’s Bike Shop to offer free bike safety checks and services to local children, with a qualified mechanic visiting 20 schools between January and March.
Feedback was fantastic with one parent commenting,
“I wanted to say thank you. The free bike check has given me peace of mind that her bike is as safe as can be for her to ride now, especially after a few months of it not being used through the winter.”
Bikeability cycle proficiency courses
Over the summer term there will be further opportunities for youngsters to take part in Bikeability cycle proficiency courses and get involved in the build-up to the much-anticipated Tour of Britain cycle race, which is coming to the Island this September.
Edmunds: A positive step towards improving children’s physical and mental health
Ross Edmunds, the council’s active travel officer for schools, said,
“Travelling actively to and from school is a real positive step towards improving children’s physical and mental health.
“It also gives children opportunities to practice real life road safety, such as safely crossing roads. In short, regular active travel helps children develop positive habits that are useful now and will be in the future.”
Bacon: Active travel is better for the planet
Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for the environment, said,
“Our fantastic Active Travel schemes aim to get all members of the Island’s community travelling in active ways that are better for their own health and local air quality, as well as reducing congestion.
“Active travel is better for the planet and all the life that it sustains.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
