Pedal power: Eglinton Primary cycle to the top

The Somerville Quadruplets, pupils at Eglinton Primary School, with their bikes.

The Sustrans ‘Big Pedal‘ competition tried to encourage schoolchildren and their families to cycle to school over a fortnight.

So great was the uptake at Eglinton Primary School that the school came first in the north-west area and will be rewarded with a North West Roadshow at the school during the forthcoming Big Bike Festival .

The school was also awarded a coveted Frog bike, which will be raffled among those who took part.

Pupils from Eglinton Primary School dressed as superheroes for the last day of the Big Pedal competition.

Eglinton PS teacher and Sustrans School champion, Joanna Mitchell, has been at the helm of the initiative.

“We’ve learned that we have won one of the 10 bikes on offer in the draw held on the last day of the competition. It is a bike from the Frog manufacturer.

“A draw for this fantastic prize will be held during assembly on Friday.

Ms. Mitchell said the school staged a series of special events, including a Superheroes Assembly where the children dressed up, while parents were also engaged with prizes on offer for those taking part as well as stamps to show they had participated each day.

The school also took part in a ‘Big Shift’ initiative this month to encourage pupils to walk, cycle, skate or scoot to school, with both initiatives proving a major success as many families opted to leave the car at home.

Ms. Mitchell added: “There are a lot of studies which show that children who are active in the morning, concentrated better in class and also if they enjoy coming to school on their bikes they are more likely to go out on bikes after school.

“It has been a great success, with the parents also getting excited about it and taking part as well. We now have a lot of children making active journeys to school. “

Ms Mitchell said there was a great buzz around the school ahead of the Road Show arriving.

Michele Murphy, Sustrans Schools’ Officer said: “Coming first in the North West area of the Big Pedal competition is a fantastic achievement for Eglinton Primary School.

“Rain, hail or shine there are always bikes parked in their bike shed. Bike week and the upcoming NW Big Bike Fest are great ways to promote cycling. Cycling to school is a great way for our children to get the exercise they need everyday to keep healthy. And let’s not forget it’s fun, too!”