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News : The Big Pedal

Delivered by Sustrans and funded by Bike Hub 7-25 March 2011

Sustrans has successfully run a virtual bike race in schools for the past 4 years, enabling many thousands of children to participate by cycling to school over a period of time. This idea was first started here in Lancaster (see www.celebratingcycling.org/more_info.asp?current_id=236).

This idea was reflected in a proposal originally made by Cycling England to the DfT in 2010, namely to mount a nationwide schools virtual bike race, to be called The Big Pedal.  Now, working with the cycle industry, through its national Bike Hub levy scheme, Sustrans will combine the Bike It virtual bike race with The Big Pedal to create an exciting new event with schools for 2011. 
 
The Big Pedal celebrates the fun that cycling brings children. Learning to ride a bike is a key milestone in children’s lives, and the thrill of getting about independently is an important part of growing up. Bikeability training gives them the skills and confidence to ride safely and the Big Pedal shows that children everywhere can cycle safely to school.

How it works
The Big Pedal will be a stage race, spanning 15 days, with each day bringing a new stage beginning in one town and ending in another.
Schools will be asked to register in advance via the Big Pedal website and can choose to join in for the whole three weeks or for one or more of the daily stages in the final week of the race (20th-25th March), which will coincide with Bike to School week.

Each day, every journey made to school by bike, by both pupils and teachers, is entered on the Big Pedal website. Each school will be given an individual time weighting, depending on size and number of pupils, so that smaller schools will be in with just as much of a chance to win prizes as larger schools.

The Prizes
First prize will be awarded to the school that completes the three-week stage race in the fastest time. The winning school will receive a visit from Team MAD, a leading bicycle stunt display team, who will perform displays and run hands-on skills sessions with pupils. In addition, the school will also receive 2 x Land Rover bikes to add to their sports equipment store.
Second prize in the national three-week competition will comprise of delivery and installation of Minipods cycle storage unit, courtesy of Cyclepods. There will also be a host of other regional and daily prizes up for grabs.

Aims for 2011
With the support of the Bike Hub in 2011, we’re looking to involve over 1,000 schools across the UK and well over 100,000 pupils, staff, parents and teachers.

Does it cost anything to take part?
No, the Big Pedal will be free to join, but schools will need to register in advance.

How do schools register?
Schools should email schools@sustrans.org.uk to register their interest. Sustrans will then be in touch with more details.