The UK 's leading sustainable transport charity Sustrans, will be working in partnership with top ultra cyclist Jim Rees to inspire pupils across England and Wales to choose cycling as a real alternative for the school run.
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
On 17th June, as the UK celebrated Bike Week; Jim Rees started one of the toughest non-stop road races across America . He will be cycling the 3000 mile route through 14 states, enduring blistering heat and grueling climbs through the Rocky Mountains . Jim is aiming to beat the UK record on two counts - to be the first Britain to complete 3 (consecutive) solo crossings and to be the quickest Britain by completing the race in under 10 days. (The current record set last year by Mark Pattison in 9 days 17 hours.).
Sustrans ‘Bike It’ officers will be using Jim's ‘Race Across America’ as the theme for one of their annual ‘virtual’ bike races, that schools from across the country can take part in. This staggering physical achievement will be turned into a documentary film by Boxing Bear films that will be shown to children up and down the country. This unique film will be tailored made for the Bike It program. Virtual bike races aim to increase the levels of cycling in schools across England and Wales, previous events have included the Tour D’Afrique. Jim, who is sponsored by Vitabiotics Wellman, will also make inspirational visits to schools to get pupils to see the benefits of cycling.
Sustrans Bike It Officer Andy Casson said: “Jim’s race will act as great tool to get pupils cycling. Sustrans has been running national virtual bike races for the last two years. They have been a great success and this year’s race generated a staggering 94,000 extra journeys to school by bike and involved 123 schools. I am sure with Jim’s help we can double this number.”
Jim Rees said: “I am excited to be working with the Bike It project to inspire children to use their bikes as a source of inspiration, and a great way to improve their health and social well being. Team Inspiration is all about inspiring children to believe in what is possible by sharing mindset tools to help children succeed in any aspect in their lives.”
‘Bike It’ is one of the leading projects that encourages pupils to get onto bikes. Currently Sustrans is working with over 400 schools and around 89,000 pupils.
Readers can follow Jim and his crew live on the Team Inspiration website www.teaminspiration.org.uk or via the official Race Across America website www.raceacrossamerica.org they are raising money for Wallace & Gromit which supports unwell children in hospitals and hospices across the UK www.justgiving.com/teaminspiration
© 2009
<>
Top ultra cyclist joins Sustrans to get more pupils on bikes
