Children living in East Suffolk are being invited to take part in a competition to see who can cycle and scoot the furthest during Cycle to School Week.
The competition is being run by East Suffolk Council in partnership with British Cycling and Active Suffolk as part of Cycle to School Week which is running from Monday 5 to Friday 9 October.
Organised by the Bikeability Trust, Cycle to School Week encourages children, parents and schools to make cycling part of the everyday school journey, helping families to be more active while reducing congestion, costs and pollution.
To take part in the competition, schools are challenged to fill in the Cycle East Suffolk map when children cycle or scoot for 15 minutes at home or school for a chance to win cycling-based prizes.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for communities, leisure and tourism, said:
“With Cycle to School week fast approaching, we’re inviting schools to take part in our fun competition to see how far children can cycle and scoot their way across the district.
“Around one in four cars on the road at peak times are linked to the school run and through this challenge we want to show how making just one journey a week by bike could make a difference.
“Cycling to and from school is also an easy way for children to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine and contribute towards their recommended 60 minutes of exercise each day. We’re excited to see schools across the district taking on the challenge!”
During Cycle to School Week families are being encouraged to:
• Cycle or scoot to school for one or more journeys
• Try cycling or scooting the school run for the first time
• Cycle together as a family
• Plan and practise a safe route to school
• Combine cycling with another form of transport if the whole journey is too far
• Help children build their cycling skills and confidence
Schools can take part in the competition by requesting a competition pack by emailing: cycle@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Schools and families can make an official Cycle to School Week pledge and access free resources online.
View information about cycling in East Suffolk, including the East Suffolk Cycling and Walking Strategy.