Record number of schools legging it to Lapland to reduce carbon and congestion

A record number of schools across Devon are taking part in this year’s Leg it to Lapland challenge.

Starting on Monday (25 November), over 5,000 children from 20 primary schools in the county will be collecting ‘leg miles’ for every human powered journey they make to and from school, in a bid to be the first to travel 2,100 miles - the equivalent distance from Devon to Lapland. Walking, cycling and scooting all count towards the goal.

The challenge aims to decrease the number of cars used on the school run and is organised by Sustrans – the charity making it easier to walk and cycle - as part of the Active Travel to School Project funded by Devon County Council through the Access Fund.

Helen Morse, one of three Sustrans Active Travel Officers in Devon, said: “The challenge has been running for four years now and every year we’ve seen an increase in the number of schools taking part.

“At this time of year people tend to use their cars more, so the challenge provides a fun way to encourage everyone to travel to school in an active way. It helps to reduce congestion around the school gates, improve air quality and build exercise into the daily routine.”

The challenge runs for two weeks and schools can earn extra miles by taking part in activities during the school day.

The winning schools will receive a visit from Andrei Burton, the UK’s premiere mountain bike trials rider and skateboard and scooter lessons from the Wheeled Sports Academy.

More information is available on the Sustrans website, Sustrans South Facebook page or on Twitter follow @SustransDevon