Island school pupils put their best foot forward when they took to the streets recently for a ‘Shift It’ walking week challenge.
A total of 11 primary schools took part and clocked up a combined total of over 2,000 miles over the challenge – the equivalent of Lands End to John O’Groats and back again. Special mention goes to Bembridge, Haylands and Cowes primary schools, who recorded an impressive 825 miles in total and received a free active travel smoothie ‘bike breakfast’ for their pupils.
The event was aimed at encouraging students to walk to school on as many days as they could over that week, using a record sheet to make a note of how long they walked for and to write or draw a picture of something interesting they saw on their way.
The walking week was organised by Wight Cycle, in partnership with the council, which is delivering the ‘Shift It’ project as part of the Access Fund for Sustainable Travel – a £1.3 million, 3 year sustainable transport programme which was secured competitively from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet Member for infrastructure and transport, said:
“I would like to say well done to all schools that took part in the walking walk. This is a great example of how schools, pupils and parents are rising to the challenge of increasing sustainable travel and the health and social benefits it brings”.
Ross Edmunds, manager of the ‘Shift It’ project, said:
“We want to see many more school children and their parents travelling actively to and from school. The benefits of active travel – walking, cycling and scooting – are many and children often notice things they would not see if travelling in the car. Travelling actively also gives families time to talk and discuss the world around them.”
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Primary schools that took part were Bembridge, Binstead, Dover park, Haylands, Cowes, Lanesend, Niton, Holy Cross, All Saints, St Saviours, Newport and Nine Acres.
The aim of the DfT’s Access Fund for Sustainable Travel is to support the local economy by supporting access to new and existing employment, education and training; and actively promote increased levels of physical activity through walking and cycling.
