Alongside improving children’s health, the initiative helps eliminate vehicle emissions from the atmosphere.
According to the NHS cycling has an endless amount of benefits. These include improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and weight management. An event that took place in Cardiff last week saw 300 children, parents and teachers ditch their cars/buses and pike up a bike – not only did the programme help individuals achieve their exercise goal for the day, but reduced the number of harmful emissions in the atmosphere.
Among those that attended was American bike bus guru Sam Balto, who inspired the entire event to happen. ‘Coach’ Balto made the headlines three years ago when, having heard about a similar scheme in Spain, he organised a ‘Bike Bus for Earth Day’ at a school in Portland where he taught PE.
A video of the event went viral and the bike bus concept swept America. Balto was invited to the White House by President Biden and earlier this year Justin Timberlake turned up to join one of his bike busses.
The event in Cardiff was organised by Sustrans and included children from Cardiff’s Radnor Primary School, Ysgol Treganna and Ysgol Pwll Coch. What’s more, the initiative is sponsored by Schwalbe Tyres UK.
The concept sees children, families and friends cycle together (mimicking a bus formation) along a set route.
Speaking at the event Coach Balto said: ‘It was exhilarating to be part of this huge bike bus and see first-hand the growing movement of Bike Buses around the globe. The children felt joy and freedom by cycling together en masse. Getting to school becomes a delight rather than a chore as part of a bike bus.
‘Projects like FRideDays Bike Bus are pivotal. Together, we can pave the way for healthier, happier neighbourhoods that prioritise both the environment and community well-being.’
Hamish Belding, FRideDays Bike Bus coordinator at Sustrans, said: ‘[The] joyous event aimed to highlight how riding together can encourage children on to their bikes for the school run. Fresh air, friends, and that feeling of freedom. That’s what the FRideDays Bike Bus is all about. It’s a fun way to make the benefits of cycling a regular part of the week.
‘For children, there’s nothing like cycling with friends by their side to get the day off to the best start.’
Photo via UnSplash
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