Bike It comes to Pencoed Primary School

I’d like to introduce an exciting project that is starting at Pencoed Primary School this year. Bike It is run by Sustrans, the country’s leading sustainable transport charity, and helps more pupils to be able to cycle to and from school.

Over the next year I will be working with the Bike It Champion, Mr Lambert and the school to promote cycling in the following ways:

• By making sure school has the facilities needed by pupils who want to cycle to school, including secure cycle storage
• By working with the local council to provide cycle training to help pupils ride safely and feel more confident on their bikes
• By organising promotional activities and events to encourage pupils to cycle to school
• By involving local shops, clubs and other organisations to help us
• By working with parents so that they can help support the project

At Bike It, we think cycling is an excellent way for children to travel to school, as it is good for their health, good for the environment, and it helps to develop independence and road safety skills. We focus on making cycling as safe as possible, and by reducing the number of cars around the school, we can help to make the neighbourhood a quieter, safer and less congested place.

Nationally, we know that about 40% of children say they would like to cycle to school, but only about 2% do. The Bike It project aims to bridge this gap and allow children to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

During this year, there will be lots of opportunities for parents to get involved in the activities and even train to become cycle instructors. If you’re interested in helping out, please contact me via the school.

I look forward to meeting you at one of our activities, especially if you come by bike!

Roger Dutton