Cumbrian winners of The Big Pedal cycling challenge will enjoy a demonstration by professional BMX team ‘Fusion Extreme,’ led by 3 x Guinness World Record holder Matti Hemmings next week.
Pupils from each school will also have an opportunity to take part in a BMX flatland workshop – learning some of the skills of the pro riders! The stunt show includes a variety of tricks and positive messages on safe cycling, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of hard work and dedication.
The three winning schools in Cumbria – clocking up the most journeys to school by bike, scooter or on foot – are Netherhall School in Maryport, Victoria Junior School in Workington, and Beetham School in Milnthorpe.
The Big Pedal is the UK’s largest inter-school active travel challenge, organised by national cycling charity Sustrans and aims to inspire pupils, staff and parents to choose ‘human power’ for their journey to school. During last year’s event, over a million journeys were logged nationally by school pupils, staff and parents.
During this year’s Big Pedal, which took place between 25 and 29 March 2019, a total of 44 schools in Cumbria logged nearly 36,000 journeys by bicycle, scooter or on foot.
A spokesperson for national cycling charity, Sustrans, said: “Cumbria County Council has supported the Big Pedal for a number of years and their tenacity and fantastic efforts have paid off. During the competition an amazing 35,800 cycling, walking and scooting journeys were recorded, with 44 schools and almost 8,000 pupils taking part in The Big Pedal – even more than in 2018! Keep up the good work!”
The details of the BMX stunt performances at each school are as follows:
Wednesday 5 June
- Netherhall School, Maryport -9.30am – 10.15am mountain bike trails and BMX display
- Victoria Junior School, Workington – 1pm – 3.15pm mountain bike trails and BMX display
Thursday 6 June
- Beetham School, Milnthorpe – 9.15am – 10.00am mountain bike trails and BMX display
Cllr Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: ““The Big Pedal is a great way for families to think about ways of getting to school without using the car. Schools in Cumbria recognise the value of this annual challenge, which encourages active travel and is good for the environment, and it’s fantastic news to see Netherhall, Victoria Juniors and Beetham among the prize winners – I hope they enjoy the stunt show!”
Judith Aris, Active Travel officer at Cumbria County Council, said: “We always have a great take up of keen schools promoting active travel and many of the children who take part continue to cycle, scoot or walk to school during the rest of the year as well.”
