Shrewsbury children inspired to cycle

Energetic children will pedal to a Shrewsbury school in their droves to mark the launch of a nationwide project to get youngsters cycling. The youngsters at Radbrook Primary are expected to get on their bikes for the first in a series of events across Shrewsbury to celebrate the arrival of the Sustrans Bike It project.

The project, which has doubled cycling levels at schools it is working with elsewhere in the UK, is being introduced to 12 schools as part of Cycle Shrewsbury, which is aiming to get people cycling more of their everyday local journeys around town.

Kim Williams, Sustrans’ Bike It officer for Shrewsbury, said: “It is absolutely vital that we encourage children to get on their bikes because by showing them how easy it is, cycling can become a good habit they take with them as they grow up.

“Radbrook Primary has already enjoyed some success with cycling levels but Bike It will ensure there is a lasting pro-cycling culture here. And I’m confident we can do the same in all of the schools I’ll be working with because children love getting about on their bikes for the fun and sense of independence it gives them.”

Sustrans will start its work with Radbrook on Thursday, November 19 with a Cycle to School day in which every child who arrives by bike will be entered into a prize draw for a range of cycling-related prizes. Kim Williams will also give each child’s bike a safety check, and pass on her bike maintenance skills to the youngsters.

Similar events will follow in the coming week at Harlescott Junior, Oxon CE Primary, Greenfields Primary and Belvidere Primary.

For more information about Sustrans and Bike It visit www.sustrans.org.uk.