Record number of schools sign up for bike industry funded scheme

Sustrans has reported record numbers of schools signing up to take part in the Big Pedal, the UK’s biggest inter-school cycling competition that starts on March 3rd.

The Big Pedal is run by the Sustrans and funded by Bike Hub, the industry levy fund, and aims to get kids more active by cycling and scooting the school run. For ten days schools all across the country compete against each other to make the most number of journeys.

As schools head back to the classroom after the half term break, 1,525 schools have registered and Sustrans are hoping that over a million school journeys will be made by schools taking part.

Sign-ups have rapidly overtaken last year’s grand total of 1,280 and numbers are expected to rise even further with plenty of time for more schools to join in before the competition starts, said a statement from Sustrans.

Sustrans CEO Malcolm Shepherd, said:

“To have so many schools sign up already is just fantastic, it shows that schools and parents alike recognise the benefits of incorporating physical exercise into the school run. “

“Hopefully this event will make a big difference to the way that people make the school run in the future.”

By signing up to the Big Pedal schools receive tailored lesson plans, posters, maps, and ideas on how to encourage everyone in the school to get involved.