The Big Pedal is an initiative rooted in the school community. It is aimed at getting school aged children and their parents motivated to use cycling as the mode of transport for the school run. If that’s not possible, it encourages families to cycle together in their leisure time.
The initiative is promoted by Sustrans. They call themselves ‘the charity making it easier for everyone to walk and cycle’. If you visit their website you can access information on the National Cycle Network which is a network of signed ‘paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring outdoors.’ Their website even contains a National Cycle Network Map you can use to find safe and accessible routes to walk or cycle.
We know exercise is important for all. There is growing emphasis on it being vital for children. Physiologically, it helps them build strong bone and muscle needed for growth and stamina. It promotes good posture and trains the structures within the body how to function optimally. It teaches the body to get to know the signals of hormonal activity associated with physical effort, for example, adrenaline release. The body and the young person then learn to recognise these signs as normal, and this helps to prevent anxiety in later life by mis-labelling these physiological signals as dangerous. Exercise helps children sleep better and promotes good psychological and emotional health. It is researched that active children become active adults which means they are set up for a longer life with less health problems and better quality of life.
Getting together to cycle or walk as a family can be a wonderful day out. With social activities opening up again after lockdown, we are allowed to get together outside whereas there are still a lot of restrictions on indoor activities. A family trip as part of the Big Pedal may be just the ticket! Visit the Explore Kent Cycling webpages for information on cycle parks and safe cycle routes. There is even information on how to access cycle training with special Bikeability training for children.
It’s spring and the bright, sunny but cool weather is ideal for cycling. Pack some picnic food in a backpack or bags on the bike and you can make a longer trip of it. Don’t forget the helmets and the sunscreen!
Cycling on nhs.uk Change 4 Life webpages
A guide to cycling on the road with children by Victoria Hazael on cycling.co.uk
Tips for Cycling with Kids on britishcycling.org.uk
Physical activity guidelines for children and young people on nhs.uk
Exercise for children and young people on the Great Ormond Street Hospital webpages
Why exercise is important for kids by Adriana Velez on care.com
We Love To Cycle by Brake Charity on YouTube
Bikeability Training for Children by betterbybikeonline on YouTube
It’s a good campaign. I wish there were more of them.