Bike It

Bike It, a national project aimed at encouraging students to use two wheels instead of four for their trips to school, is making a big impact in Ashford.

Run by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, the scheme has seen a ten-fold increase in cycling levels in participating schools in other UK towns and cities – bucking the trend in declining numbers of children cycling to school.

It is hoped that the same great results can be achieved in the 12 schools taking part across Ashford.

Sustrans’ local Bike It officer is supported by Kent County Council, and will be working intensively with primary and secondary school pupils, their parents and teachers to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of cycling.

The Bike It officer will work with schools, providing class-room lessons and will encourage uptake through incentive schemes, fun events and bike skills and maintenance sessions.

In addition, the Bike It officer works with schools to ensure they have secure cycle storage and access to cycle training, provided by the Kent Road Safety Team. Since March, our local Bike It officer has organised a variety of two wheeled events including bike breakfasts, cycle to school days and Dr. Bike sessions.

To help children across the country to cycle to school, the Kent Highway Services is also implementing five ‘Safer Routes to Schools’ cycle routes and links in the borough.

Bike It is funded by Cycling England and the cycling industry. For more information visit the Sustrains website.