School ready to pedal for Healthy Bike Day

CHILDREN, parents and staff at a Rotherham school will be biking to school next week to celebrate Healthy Bike Day organised by charity Sustrans.

On Wednesday, youngsters at St Thomas C of E Primary School, Kilnhurst, will not only be rewarded with a free healthy breakfast but will also be entered into a prize draw if they arrive at school on their bikes.

In addition their machines will receive a free health check from Dr Bike.

Sixteen children at the school will also be completing their Bikeability cycle training with Pedal Ready.

This helps to provide children with the skills they need to cycle safely on roads, allowing them to feel confident cycling to and from school on a regular basis.

Sustrans is working with schools across Rotherham to provide children with the skills and information necessary to allow them to take to two wheels for the journey to school.

Natalie Whelan from Sustrans, said: "Walking and cycling to school is a great way for our children to get the exercise they need every day to keep healthy, and research shows it allows them to become better students in the classroom. And let's not forget its fun, too!"

Coun. Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development for Rotherham Borough Council, said he was delighted to see the project launched in Rotherham.

He said: "The promotion of cycling is a key theme in the third Local Transport Plan for 2012-15. Cycling really hits the spot. Apart from being good fun,it also helps local transport, is highly sustainable and has great long term health benefits. All youngsters should be encouraged to cycle as much as possible."

This event is one of many that will be taking place at schools across Rotherham, encouraging cycling to school. cistrons works in Rotherham thanks to funding from Rotherham Borough Council and the South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan.

Sustrans is a charity which campaigns people to travel by foot, bike or public transport more often.