Who, What, Where, How & Why
WHO are Sustrans?
No… Sustrans isn’t a person, it stands for sustainable transport. Sustrans is a charity encouraging people to walk and cycle; connecting people and places, creating liveable neighbourhoods, transforming the school run and delivering a happier, healthier commute.
Founded in 1977, by John Grimshaw amid the oil crisis; environment issues were a big factor along with the desire to reduce the reliance on the private car. The organisation started the first national cycle route in Bristol and Bath, which has now expanded all over the country. This passion for sustainable transport has continued to develop over the years, which has led to the creation of the charitable organisation that is: Sustrans.
WHAT is Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel?
Previously known as Sustrans Big Pedal, the campaign aims to inspire pupils to take active journeys to school.
On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see who can get the highest percentage of their pupils walking, using a wheelchair, scooting, or cycling to school. The best five days from each school will determine their overall finish place.
WHERE is it?
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel runs for 10 days; from the 21st of March to the 1st of April 2022 and is open to all primary and secondary schools across the UK.
HOW it works
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is all about inspiring a new generation to travel sustainably and make conscious greener decisions.
Children are the focus, but they have a few steps to follow to take part, with a little help and some enthusiasm from their school.
Sustrans provide a participation letter to download and fill out which can be found here. This will be used to make your school aware that this movement is taking place and that you want to take part. Hopefully, influencing participation in this great cause to get kids active this spring.
Don’t be disheartened your school isn’t taking part this year, you can still take part! Take advantage of the nicer weather and get active. An active daily routine into school has so many positives, including the increase of mental alertness, energy, positive mood and your helping the environment by cutting out the use of fossil fuels.
WHY you should get involved
New name, same aim.
It’s a great cause that has the best interests of our future. The charity wants to encourage more families to travel to school actively, to help create healthier and happier communities.
Free daily resources will be provided to encourage pupils to see their local area from a new perspective, learn about the benefits of getting to school actively and discover amazing journeys to school from around the world.
Daily prize draws
Other than getting active, students could also be in with a chance of winning fabulous prizes every day. Schools will be entered into a daily prize draw for rewards including equipment and accessories if over 15% of the pupils walk, use a wheelchair, scoot or cycle on that day of the challenge.
For more information visit:
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/uk-wide/schools/sustrans-big-walk-and-wheel/
