Record number of schools take up the Sustrans Leg it to Lapland challenge

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted Sunday, November 25, 2018 - 5:56pm

Sixteen schools have signed up for this year’s two week challenge, more than double that of last year. 

Starting on Monday (26 November), over 4,500 school children will be collecting ‘leg miles’ for every non-motorised journey they make to and from school in a bid to be the first to travel the 2,100 miles from Devon to Lapland.

Helen Morse, one of three Sustrans Active Travel Officers in Devon, said “We’re really pleased with the number of schools who have taken up the challenge this year. Winter is usually a time when people use their cars more, so the challenge provides a fun way to encourage everyone to travel to school in an active way and helps to reduce congestion around the school gates.”

Schools can also earn extra miles by taking part in activities during the school day and many are busy coming up with creative ideas to clock up the miles.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “It’s excellent to see that a record number of schools have signed up for this year’s challenge. It’s a great way for pupils to be more active, and by trying sustainable forms of travel they can make a difference to their health and their local environment. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

The winning school will receive a visit from Andrei Burton, the UK’s premiere mountain bike trials rider.

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