Penny Bridge CE Primary in Ulverston will be showing its support for better ways to travel to school with a sponsored cycle ride tomorrow (Friday 15 June).
In 2006, the school completed its own Travel Plan, with the help of Cumbria County Council's Better Ways to School programme. The programme aims to promote more sustainable travel - less car journeys and more cycling and walking - and also ease traffic congestion at the school gates.
Firmly committed to the programme, the school has chosen Friday to host a number of events celebrating the benefits - and pleasure! - of cycling.
Headteacher Lynn Smolinski cycles to and from the school every day. She has got together with Andrew Clayton, who is carrying out cycling proficiency training with pupils at Penny Bridge, to organise not only a sponsored cycle but also fun activities in the playground for the younger children.
The older children who are more proficient cyclists will join in a cycle bus and take a route from the school along the Cumbrian Cycle Way, completing up to 10 kilometres.
Maintenance and repairs along the route will be carried out by a member of staff from Gill Cycles of Ulverston, which has also donated a raffle prize for the day.
Some of the money raised will be going to Derian House in Astley Village near Chorley. Derian House supports family members an d offers respite care to terminally ill children. The remaining money will go to support Penny Bridge itself, which is a voluntary aided school.
Headteacher Lynn Smolinski said:
"The cycle ride is one of a number of projects in our on-going promotion of healthy lifestyles.
"We are encouraging children to be active by introducing sports such as tennis, tag rugby, skipping, orienteering and outdoor pursuits.
"In addition, our Healthy Eating Campaign has increased awareness of a good diet - plenty of fruit, water and milk, keeping junk food to a minimum. By encouraging children to cycle to school rather than travel by car, we are not only promoting health and fitness but also encouraging children to be environmentally friendly".
Fiona Hanson is an adviser with Better Ways to School. She said:
"Penny Bridge CE has been very active in the Better Ways to School Programme.
"With the grant money they received from Central Government for compiling a Travel Plan they have bought and installed a new cycle shelter - which is now getting a lot of use!
"The school is also in the process of setting up a Walking Bus. This, along with encouraging more cycling, will help to cut down the vehicle congestion around the school as well as increasing healthy lifestyle activities."
ENDS
You are invited to send a reporter/photographer to Penny Bridge CE Primary School, Greenodd in Ulverston at 9.30am on Friday 15 June. Head teacher Lynn Smolinksi, Andrew Clayton and children taking part will be available for interview/photographs.
Further information from Fiona Hanson, Better Ways to School adviser, on 01229 894591
Notes
Cumbria County Council's Better Ways to School (BWTS) intiative aims to reduce unnecessary car journleys and improve safety along routes to and from school.
BWTS will bring major benefits to the county:
- less congestion
- less pollution
- better standards of health and fitness significant improvements in safety
Cumbria County Council's BWTS progarmme is managed by Capita