Is your school ready for the UK’s biggest FREE! active travel challenge?
The Big Walk & Wheel started today! (Monday, March 24.) and pupils from Lawley Primary school are taking part in the UK's biggest free active travel challenge!
There are currently 11 schools in Telford & Wrekin signed up to the event which takes place over two weeks and Telford & Wrekin Council is highlighting the scheme for its many benefits for pupils.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, (Lab) Cabinet Member for the Economy said: “With 75 primary and secondary in Telford and Wrekin there are plenty more schools that could get involved.
“There are so many benefits like prizes, arriving in school more alert and ready to learn, it’s really fun and we help to keep our air cleaner, reduce traffic and noise around schools too.
“We would love to visit some schools during the challenge and see how it’s making a difference – it’s a great chance to be part of something big and transform the school run from hum drum to big fun!”
In 2024, pupils at 1,727 schools made 2,389,015 journeys to school by foot, wheelchair, scooter and cycle.
There are plenty of free resources for schools including curriculum linked lesson plans, school assembly presentation, top tips and an inclusivity guide all available here: https://bigwalkandwheel.org.uk/resources
Active travel is a great way to build physical activity into children’s daily routine. It helps them arrive to school more relaxed and alert and is great for their mental wellbeing.
How does it work?
On each day of the challenge primary and secondary schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils walking, using a wheelchair, scooting or cycling to school.
A school’s best five days will determine their final position and schools at the top of their leaderboards will receive an exclusive Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel certificate.
Now in its 17 year, the event organised by Sustrans - a charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle - aims to inspire families to make active journeys to improve health, enhance air quality, and demonstrate the impact of these changes on the environment.
Prizes & badges
All schools will be entered into daily prize draws for rewards if over 15% of your school takes part on each day of the challenge. Prizes up for grabs include accessories and equipment to help your school travel actively. All schools that participate in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel can also earn virtual badges.
Simply fill in your school details on the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel registration page.