National Bike Week: Pupils Encouraged To Cycle To School.
Jun 15th, 2008 | By Simon Butler | In: Community, Cycling, Eco Island, Isle of Wight
As part of the Eco-Island vision of a more healthy Island, Isle of Wight Council is promoting two activities aimed at encouraging cycling for both children and adults.
During National Bike Week (14th - 22nd June), students are being encouraged to cycle to school for a week from Monday 16th June. they can do this on their bicycles or on push-scooters.When the last Bike to School Week was held on the Island in November 2007, over 500 children cycled to their schools every day for the week. This number is likely to be even bigger this year because many more schools have registered.
Parents and carers are encouraged to check their children’s bike before Monday, making sure it’s correctly adjusted and ensure that the child is competent to cycle the route if riding unaccompanied. It’s recommended that riders wear a correctly-fitting cycle helmet. Younger children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
It’s not just children who can take part in activities. Adults who fancy a warming breakfast at various locations, but only if they arrive by bicycle! Bikers Breakfasts are being provided in partnership with CycleWight and can turn up at the Floating Bridge in Cowes, Fairlee Road in Newport (entrance next to Island Harbour) and Newport Fire Station.
Anyone coming along will be greeted with a free breakfast between 6.45 - 9.00am at all three locations on Monday 23, Wednesday 25 and Friday 27 June “ but remember, you only get a free breakfast if you turn up on your bike!
Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing Cllr Dawn Cousins said
“Cycling is a very good form of exercise for all ages, and research has shown physical activity in the morning can lead to improved performances in both the office and classroom. By encouraging children to cycle to school and adults into work not only helps keep people fit and healthy, but also cuts down on the need for car journeys.
This is a very good initiative and one the council fully supports as part of Eco Island”.
IWC Media Simon Butler: Isle of Wight Community news @Island Pulse.
