Walking, wheeling and cycling charity Sustrans have teamed up with HGGT to deliver free bike and scooter safety checks in Harlow primary schools.
Working with the mechanics at Lee Valley Cycles in The Stow and part of Sustrans’ Dr Bike series, the most recent session took place at St Alban’s Catholic Academy with the checks ensuring local children stay safe when cycling and wheeling to school every day.
“We’re working with four primary schools on behalf of Harlow & Gilston Garden Town and delivering everything from Dr Bike sessions to assemblies and walking/cycling challenges that encourage and get children excited about the benefits of active travel,” said Sustrans Behaviour Change Officer, Millie Wallis.
“It’s important that children are introduced to active travel at an early age as it’s not only great for physical and mental health but can help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution locally.”
With over 200 children at St Alban’s Catholic Academy, the school have a wider programme to encourage outdoor activities as Inclusion Leader, Ms Kendell, explained: “Anything that involves rhythmic movement like walking, running, cycling, PE, even music, is important for development and keeping children happy in school and we recognise that happy children are more open to learning.
“We have beautiful grounds in the school and being outside and learning allows our staff to enrich the curriculum and we recognise it is just as important as being in the classroom.”
Lee Valley Cycles mechanic, David Wales, believes Harlow is the perfect place to encourage youngsters to cycle on a regular basis: “The town has 37 miles of cycling tracks and we want children to not only enjoy using them but be safe when doing so.
“Our checks at St Alban’s today have included changing brake pads and cables, making sure the steering is set properly and pumping up the tyres.
“Cycling is fantastic regardless of age, it is low impact so if you do have problems walking then it’s a great way to get around and you get the endorphins which are great for mental health.”
