Crawley school cycling scheme extended

The Sustrans’ Bike It project promotes sustainable and active travel to pupils at 13 schools.

A council spokesman said: “Bike It helps increase the number of pupils, parents and school staff who cycle, walk and make use of public transport for local journeys.

“The council will fund the post of part-time Bike It Officer for another two years, paid for by section 106 funding received from new developments in Crawley.

“This funding will ensure that more Crawley school children aged nine to 13 are actively engaged in cycling to and from school.”

The Crawley schools currently involved in the project are:

The Brook Infants, Maidenbower

Gossops Green Primary

Langley Green Primary

Manor Green Primary, Ifield

Milton Mount Primary, Pound Hill

Northgate Primary

The Oaks Primary School, Tilgate

Oriel High, Maidenbower

Our Lady Queens of Heaven, Langley Green

St Andrew’s C of E, Furnace Green

Southgate Primary

Waterfield Primary, Bewbush

West Green Primary.

More than 3,600 pupils at these schools – along with 79 staff members and ten parents – took part in Bike It activities in the spring term.

Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle, said the spokesman.

“A key area of its work is its behaviour change programme; working in schools, colleges, universities communities, and workplaces to encourage active travel,” added the spokesman.

Paul Smith, Sustrans Bike It officer, said: “We are really pleased to be able to continue our work with schools in Crawley to transform the school run and deliver happier and healthier journeys for children and their families.”

Councillor Peter Smith, cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “The Bike It project has been a huge success in Crawley schools for six years, getting more and more children interested in cycling and educating them about the environmental and health benefits of travelling on two wheels.

“We are the only council in West Sussex to support the Bike It project and I’m delighted that we’re continuing our support for another two years.”

For more details visit www.crawley.gov.uk/cycling and www.sustrans.org.uk.