COVINGHAM Park Primary School is taking part for the first time this year in a national competition to encourage sustainable travel.

From March 3 to March 14 youngsters at the school will be challenged to take part in the Big Pedal, a national competition organised by Sustrans Since it was launched in 2009, more and more schools have got involved with the inter-school competition and it has become the UK’s largest cycling and scooting initiative.

Avril Brown, Eco Travel coordinator at Covingham Park Primary, said: “We’re really excited to be taking part in the Big Pedal. We hope that by encouraging our children to walk, cycle and scoot to school over the next two weeks that we will see a reduction in congestion and pollution around the school gates, and help the children feel healthier and happier whilst getting fitter too.”

Research shows that nearly half of all children want to be able to get to school by bike, but only four per cent actually do so.

Malcolm Shepherd, Sustrans chief executive, said: “The average primary school journey is just 1.5 miles – the perfect distance to walk or cycle.

“We hope the Big Pedal will help thousands of families rediscover the fun and freedom of cycling to school and get fit and save money at the same time.

“I wish the staff, parents and pupils at Covingham Park Primary good luck, and look forward to finding out the results.”

To find out more about the Big Pedal go to the website www.bigpedal.org.uk.