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Dear Teachers and Principals,
I just want to let you know that this year Bike to School Week takes place from 27 September to 1 October 2021, and we would love it if you would promote this in school and to families at home.
There is no registration process for schools, and everyone can take part. Families sign up and pledge their intended journeys here - https://www.sustrans.org.uk/campaigns/bike-to-school-week-pledge/#pledgeform to be in with the chance of winning a new Frogg bike worth £400!
We have also created a teacher resource page with lots of classroom based activities for Early Years, KS1, KS2 and KS3 year groups, with NI specific curriculum links.
Also attached is a handy E-flyer and poster which could be shared around school or perhaps sent home to encourage families to sign up!
Some more info on the challenge below -
What is Bike to School Week?
Bike to School Week is a week-long event in which participating schools encourage families to cycle or scoot to school.
It’s a great opportunity to celebrate cycling and scooting and the positive impact in has on children’s health and wellbeing.
This year Bike to School Week is taking part 27 September- 1 October 2021.
Why?
Active travel is more important than ever to help pupils get to school safely and healthily. The start of autumn term- early in the academic year- is a great time to establish positive travel habits.
Cycling to school has many benefits including:
- pupils who are more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day
- fewer cars which helps improve local air quality and reduce congestion
- children who are more aware of road safety and who feel more independent
- a boost to physical and mental health and wellbeing
Our aim is to inspire and support the school community to trial walking and cycling for the journey to school during our UK-wide campaigns, and to support them to change how they travel to school over the longer-term. During Bike to School week we aim to focus on promoting cycling and scooting in particular.
As part of the programme we will also be holding a special activity on the last day of Bike to School week which would be Thursday 30th September as the school is closed on Friday 1st October. It will be:
BLING Your Bike Day!
The theme of the day is Bling Your Bike. To raise awareness of safe, active travel we are encouraging children make their bike/scooter as bright and shiny as possible and bring it to school!
Children are invited to get creative and to decorate their bikes and scooters to be super bright. The possibilities are endless: Christmas tinsel, bike lights, glow sticks, neon coloured card even a helmet wrapped in aluminium foil!
In the interest of safety, we always advise children to wear helmets and high visibility clothing so that they can be seen and be safe on the way to school. If it is a dull or dark day, bicycle lights are also strongly advised. Please ensure decorations do not interfere with safety of the bicycle/scooter.
You are more than welcome to join the fun and cycle or walk to school with your child as well to see the ‘Bling’d’ bikes for yourself! Please ensure social distancing guidelines are followed and wear masks if possible. The children and families are welcome to spend time looking at the Bling’d’ bikes from 8.50am until 9.10am. If your child cannot bring their bike to school on Thursday 30th September, you can bling your bike at home and take a photograph and email it to iporter336@c2kni.net. I will then add all photos taken on the day or sent via email to the school website. Iain from Sustrans might even send out a few prizes.
We look forward to a fun week of Active Travel.
Many thanks,
Mrs I Porter Iain Sneddon
Principal Active Travel Officer, Schools
St. Joseph’s P.S
Iain Sneddon
Active Travel Officer, Schools – South Central | Sustrans Northern Ireland
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