Primary school near Ripon inspires healthier journeys with successful two-day active travel event

Roecliffe Church of England Primary School recently welcomed pupils, parents and members of the local community to take part in activities promoting cycle safety, healthy lifestyles and environmentally friendly travel choices.

The initiative began on Thursday (October 15), when Damian from the Bike Clinic visited the school to carry out safety checks on pupils' bicycles.

As well as ensuring the bikes were roadworthy, he also led practical workshops teaching children essential maintenance skills, helping them learn how to carry out their own safety checks before riding.

The following day, the whole school community was encouraged to walk, scoot or cycle to school as part of an organised active travel event.

Local business owners Jenna and Darren Sadler, of Absolute Fitness, supported the initiative by allowing their car park to be used as a designated 'Park and Stride' drop-off point.

Teachers met pupils and their families there before leading a group walk, scooter and cycle ride to the school gates, where the children received a warm welcome from Spike the Hedgehog, the mascot for active travel.

The initiative was supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered by North Yorkshire Sport.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs Sarah Daggett, Headteacher at Roecliffe Church of England Primary School, said: "We are thrilled with the enthusiasm shown by our pupils and parents during our active travel days.

“Learning how to stay safe on bikes and choosing to walk or ride to school not only boosts health and well-being but also fosters a cleaner, safer environment around our school.

“We are extremely grateful to Damian from the Bike Clinic, Jenna and Darren at Absolute Fitness, and our funding and delivery partners for making this event such a fantastic success."

Mayor David Skaith added: "I want more people to have the same opportunities to lead more active lives, improving their physical and mental health, which is why I am delighted that we are supporting Roecliffe Church of England Primary School with this funding.

"By investing in local initiatives to give parents and pupils the confidence to walk, wheel or cycle to school, we’re ensuring that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to lead more active lives.

"Movement, activity, and sport play a huge role in improving mental health and tackling social isolation.

“This is a fantastic example of how we are backing ambition at a grassroots level to make York and North Yorkshire a thriving place for everyone."