On Saturday 10th July, pupils from Pippins School in Colnbrook took part in a bicycle ride and picnic organised by sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, to celebrate their first year as a Sustrans Bike It school.
Since Sustrans began working with the school in September 2009, the number of children cycling every day has increased from just one per cent to nine percent of all pupils. Last term, the school was the first in the area to be awarded a bronze Sustrans School Mark Award to congratulate the pupil’s, parents, and teacher’s effort in encouraging more children to cycle.
The six mile ride, lead by Sustrans Bike It officer Clare Robinson, began at the Honda offices in Colnbrook where a Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) route passes directly by. The NCN route was entirely off road and took the 24 cyclists – some as young as six years old - through three parks and past amenities such as the rugby club, scout hut and cricket club with views of Windsor Castle . The ride stopped in Lachelles Park for an afternoon picnic of fruit, juice, cakes and scones in the shade before riding the three miles back again.
Clare comments, “Everyone had a fantastic time on the ride. The weather was glorious; it was a great way to celebrate the achievements of the school over the last year. The teachers, pupils and parents are really dedicated to creating a lasting pro-cycling culture at this school.”
One parent added, “I thought I knew Slough like the back of my hand, but I never knew this cycle route was here- we'll definitely use it again.”
Sustrans currently works with 18 schools in the area (set to increase to 23 in September) in partnership with Slough Borough Council and Buckinghamshire County Council, to help children overcome the barriers which are preventing them from cycling to school. The project also receives funding from the Big Lottery Fund's Well-being Programme.
Source: Sustrans
