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Published on Thursday 30 September 2021

The winners of a recent competition to encourage more children to walk, cycle or scoot back to school have been announced.

Ahead of the new school year, BCP Council challenged local children aged 4 to 11 to submit a drawing, piece of writing or poem illustrating the benefits of being more active over travelling by car. Close to fifty entries were received across two age categories with thirty winners now selected to receive a brand-new JD bug scooter.

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability comments:

"Congratulations to all our winners and we hope you enjoy using your new scooters on the way to and from school this year. We hope this will inspire your family, friends and peers to also appreciate the benefits of an active school run and where possible leave the car at home.’’

The competition is part of BCP Council’s wider campaign to encourage more young people, parents and carers to consider alternative and more sustainable ways to travel to school.

Councillor Nicola Greene, Portfolio Holder for Schools, add:

"We are pleased to have engaged so many young people and will continue to highlight the many benefits of walking, cycling and scooting more regularly to school in our community.

"These activities are a great way to build exercise into your routine, boost your mental health and wellbeing, get the children ready to learn and most importantly it’s fun for the whole family.’’

With half of all school journeys being two miles or less, more journeys on foot, by scooter or on bikes, will contribute towards reducing congestion during the peak hours. It will also help to improve air quality around school gates and help children to stay fit and healthy.

The scooter prize competition will directly facilitate more active journeys across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It supports BCP Council’s aims for a sustainable environment and brighter futures for all its young people. It also contributes towards the council’s wider Transforming Travel initiative and declared climate and ecological emergency goals.

For more information about BCP Council’s active travel to school campaign and to view the full list of winners, please visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/thenewyou

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