Schools across Gloucestershire are being encouraged to sign up to take part in the Big Pedal 2021.

The event was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is back this year, running from 19 to April 30.

Organised by walking and cycling charity Sustrans, it is the UK’s largest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge and aims to encourage active travel to and from school.

Gloucestershire County Council’s Thinktravel team is helping to promote the scheme by encouraging schools to take part, in line with the council’s climate change strategy which aims to increase walking and cycling in the county. The council is also investing in extra infrastructure and projects to support this aim, including the proposed Gloucester to Cheltenham cycleway and the School Streets initiative.

So far 21 schools in Gloucestershire have signed up to take part and the latest list of participants in the county can be found at www.bigpedal.org.uk/lists/37

It is free to enter and there are daily prizes to be won, including equipment and accessories to help with active travel. On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of their pupils, staff and parents cycling, walking, scooting or using a wheelchair to school.

A school’s best five days will determine its final position, but they can choose to take part in a one-day challenge instead if they wish.

The challenge aims to promote the benefits of active travel to school and this year’s theme is amazing journeys.

As well as getting active, children will be encouraged to see their local area from a new perspective and discover amazing journeys to school from around the world.

For more information or to register your class or school, visit www.bigpedal.org.uk. Options are also available for any remote learners.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “I’m delighted the Big Pedal is back as it’s a great way to boost children’s physical health as well as mental health and wellbeing.

“Active travel also helps to raise awareness of road safety while reducing congestion, so I hope many schools in our county take part and have fun competing against each other.”