WATCH: Huge push to reduce Greater Manchester's congestion as kids lead the way
Teachers, parents and pupils will be encouraged to swap the car for a bike.
Last updated 25th Jun 2018
A major drive to reduce air pollution and congestion in Greater Manhester is underway as hundreds of teachers, parents and children swap the car for a bike.
World record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont has launched the Sustrans’ Big Pedal event at Torkington Primary School in Hazel Grove, as a new UK survey reveals that over two fifths of children living in urban areas are concerned about the levels of air pollution near their school.
A YouGov poll, carried out for the walking and cycling charity, surveyed over 1,000 children aged six to 15-years-old about their attitudes towards air pollution and the actions they think should be taken to help clean up the air.
More than one in three of those surveyed think that encouraging more people to cycle, scoot or walk to school is the best way to help to reduce levels of air pollution, while a further 16% feel that reducing the number of journeys taken by car would play the greatest role.
The survey was released as hundreds of schoolchildren around Greater Manchester start the Big Pedal 2018, the UK’s largest schools competition to encourage more young people to cycle, walk and scoot to school.
Held annually by Sustrans, this year’s event will see more than half a million children and young people get on their bikes and scooters for their journeys to and from school across the country.
See if your school is involved here.
Mark Beaumont, who has today launched the Big Pedal in Torkington Primary School said:
“We need to encourage more children and parents to walk, scoot or cycle to school by shouting about the benefits of travelling actively for shorter journeys. Fewer cars around school gates will play a significant role in reducing congestion and improving the quality of the air we breathe. Events like the Big Pedal can demonstrate to children, parents and teachers just how easy it can be to travel actively to and from school."