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Big Walk and Wheel

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Join Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel! We’re supporting Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel (the new name for Sustrans Big Pedal), the UK's largest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge.

The event has a new name but it still has the same aim; to encourage more families to travel to school actively to help create healthier and happier communities. On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see who can record the greatest proportion of their pupils walking, using a wheelchair, scooting or cycling to school.

This year's challenge will run from 21 March- 1 April 2022 and is free for all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN schools. Schools can choose to enter as a whole school or an individual class. A school’s best five days will determine their final position, but schools can log journeys on all ten days if you wish. There are fantastic daily prizes to be won for schools if over 15% of their pupils walk, use a wheelchair, scoot or cycle to school on that day of the challenge.

Daily lesson plans are free to download during Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel which cover a range of topics and help pupils learn about the amazing benefits of active travel.

It is important that all children can join in the fun and understand the health and wellbeing benefits of active travel. Resources are available to help include pupils with specific barriers to participation and there are inclusivity guides to help ensure all children are able to take part.

A 2021 YouGov study showed nearly half of UK children worry about air pollution near their school. And that children thought active travel was the best away to bring down these pollution levels. Taking part in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel and travelling actively instead of taking a car, is great and fun way to reduce congestion and air pollution outside the school gate. Active travel is also a great way to build physical activity in children’s daily routine which helps them to arrive to school more relaxed and alert, and is great for their mental wellbeing too.

Participating in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel also contributes towards gaining Modeshift Stars accreditation.

There is also the option to join in on Amazing You Day, a non-uniform day to celebrate the finale of Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel. Schools can chose to raise money for Sustrans (the walking and cycling charity) or their own active travel projects.

Look out for our very own Gloucestershire competition and get in touch with Thinktravel if your school is taking part! 

Registration is now open. For more information and to register your class or school, visit the www.bigwalkandwheel.org.uk