Between 21 March and 1 April 2022, your child’s school can take part in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel. If their school hasn't already signed up, you can send them the invitation below.
Invite your school to take part
You can copy the wording below or download the letter.
Dear [NAME]
I am writing to ask that [INSERT SCHOOL NAME] takes part in Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2022 (the new name for Sustrans Big Pedal) which takes place between 21 March and the 1 April 2022.
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is the UK’s largest inter-school active travel competition. It’s designed to increase the number of children taking active journeys (walking, using a wheelchair, scooting or cycling) to school, during the event and longer term. You can find out more and register at www.bigwalkandwheel.org.uk.
Regular physical activity is important to promote good physical and mental health. And active travel is a great way for children to build physical activity into their daily routine. It helps children arrive more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day. Travelling actively to school, rather than by car, also helps reduce congestion and improve air quality around the school.
A 2021 YouGov study showed nearly half of UK children worry about air pollution near their school. And that children thought active travel was the best away to bring down these pollution levels. It also showed more children want to travel actively to school than currently do. Taking part in this event would be a fun way to kick start healthy habits, to help improve local air quality and help tackle climate change.
Organised by the charity Sustrans, it’s free to take part. You can download free educational resources and materials including template letters to tell families about it. Participating in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel also contributes towards gaining Modeshift Stars accreditation.
[INSERT PERSONAL REASONS FOR WANTING TO TAKE PART HERE]
Last year, around 1,500 schools took part. Children were active for over 28 million minutes as part of the event and it helped prevent around 1,500 tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions. I really hope our school can take part this year. I am really excited about the positive difference our school could make.
Kind regards,
[NAME]
Find out if your child’s school is taking part.
https://bigwalkandwheel.org.uk/schools/mapWhat is the Big Walk and Wheel?
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is the UK’s largest inter-school active travel competition. It’s designed to increase the number of children taking active journeys (walking, using a wheelchair, scooting or cycling) to school, during the event and beyond.
Last year, around 1,500 schools took part. Children were active for over 28 million minutes as part of the event and it helped prevent around 1,500 tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions. Will your family join in this year?