Kids urged to get on their bikes (From The Northern Echo)

Kids urged to get on their bikes

8:12pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Darlington

CHILDREN and parents are being urged to get on their bikes for a national inititative to get people more active.

Schools across Darlington will be asking pupils, teachers and parents to take part in the Sustrans Big Pedal event, which will be held throughout March.

Sustrans, a charity working to improve access to alternative forms of healthy transport, will be offering prizes to the schools that get the most people on two wheels.

Figures released by Sustrans show that nearly half of all children want to be able to get to school by bike but only four per cent do.

Bryn Dowson, Sustrans regional director for the North East, said: "Last year's Big Pedal saw children from more than 800 schools across the UK making nearly a million journeys by bike.

"This year's race will be see even more families discovering just how easy it is to do the school run on two wheels.

"Children that cycle to school regularly are more active and more alert and better learners."

The event is being funded by the Association of Bike Traders, through its Bike Hub fund.

Phillip Darnton, executive director of the Bicycle Association, said: “The future of cycling depends on every generation of kids learning and wanting to cycle. What better way to get started than joining in the Big Pedal.

"The cycle industry through its Bike Hub levy is delighted to fund this event for another year.”

To get involved in the Big Pedal event visit thebigpedal.org.uk