Metro mayor Dan Norris urges everyone to 'use pedal power to save the planet'
This Cycle to School Week, the mayor of the West of England Combined Authority is urging more people to ditch the car
The metro mayor, Dan Norris, is urging everyone to 'use pedal power to save the planet' this Cycle to School Week.
The Sustrans charity say it's a particular problem with secondary schools, where rates drop off during teenage years, especially with young women.
According to the West of England Combined Authority, surveys have revealed over 50% of both primary and secondary pupils in the West, and across the country, live within 1 mile of their school, but only around 2% cycle to school nationally.
Dan Norris says he is 'concerned' at the current level of young people aged between 11 to 16 who aren't getting the levels of exercise they need to stay healthy, and that encouraging more locals to take short trips on bike is vital to help slash emissions and clean up the region’s toxic air.
The West of England Combined Authority have secured over £13 million to boost cycling and walking across the region - including through the improvement of cycle routes, like the Bristol Old Market 'gap' and Bath's 'Scholars Way' route.
Mr Norris said: “If we are going to cut those traffic jams and slash pollution in the region, one tool in our arsenal has to be more cycling.
“That’s why the more we can help the region’s young people to see walking and cycling as the natural choice for shorter everyday journeys, the better it will be not just for their own health and wellbeing, but the health of our planet as well. It’s why my Mayoral Combined Authority has invested millions in things like new and improved cycle lanes, so people feel safe on their bike, and more.
“The good thing is school kids in the West of England are clearly really eager to hop on two wheels. I urge them, and everyone in the West of England, to build good habits that last a lifetime, and help save the planet at the same time.”
Ben Bowskill, Sustrans’ Partnerships and Public Affairs Manager for the West of England, added: “We’re delighted to partner with The Bikeability Trust for Cycle to School Week 2023, encouraging families and friends to walk, wheel and cycle together.
"Cycling to school is a healthy, sustainable and fun way to travel, but we know from our Walking and Cycling Index 2021 that only 29% of residents UK-wide think the level of safety for children cycling is good.
“There is appetite to travel actively to school, but everyone must be made to feel safe while doing it. That’s why we must prioritise making walking and cycling easier and safer in order to continue building these positive travel habits that last a lifetime.”
You can find out more about Cycle to School Week on the Bikeability website - and teachers can find more resources on the Sustrans website.