MAYOR INVITES CHILDREN TO WALK, WHEEL AND WIN IN RETURN OF SCHOOLS CHALLENGE

Published 9 February 2026 at 4:00pm

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has launched his third annual Walk and Wheel Challenge, encouraging primary school pupils across the region to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school this May.

The Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge 2026 will run from 18 - 22 May, aligning with Living Streets’ national Walk to School Week. Through a unique South Yorkshire collaboration, the first 100 primary schools to sign up will receive free resource packs, including stickers, activity charts and classroom activity sheets.

Schools taking part will also be entered into a prize draw to win scooters, bikes, a scooter pod, and a cycling workshop, delivered by Ed Clancy OBE, South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner.

The challenge builds on the success of the previous two years, which saw over 220 South Yorkshire schools take part.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:

“I made a commitment to make South Yorkshire the best place in the country for kids to walk, wheel and cycle - and over the last two years thousands of children from hundreds of schools have taken part in my Walk and Wheel Challenge, getting active, sharing brilliant stories and showing what’s possible when young people are given a chance to challenge themselves and each other.

“But we’re not stopping there. Schools are at the heart of our plans, because every child deserves to feel safe walking to school, playing outside or heading to the park. That’s why we’re gearing up for the next Walk and Wheel Challenge, working in partnership with Living Streets to help even more children move more, move differently, and grow up healthier and happier.”

The five-day challenge encourages pupils to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ to school each day, supporting healthier lifestyles, cleaner air and safer streets.

It will see pupils follow a fun activity diary while learning about physical health, mental wellbeing, sustainability, road safety and community benefits.

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, as part of National Walking Month.

Chief Executive of Living Streets Catherine Woodhead said:

“It’s been fantastic to see the Walk and Wheel Challenge go from strength to strength over the past two years. 

“Our children deserve the best start in life and helping them build activity into their daily journeys is a big part of that.  

“Walk to School Week gives pupils and families across the UK the opportunity to try walking and wheeling to school and see the benefits for themselves. Schools that take part can enjoy reduced congestion and pollution, while children arrive at school feeling energised and ready to learn.” 

South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner Ed Clancy OBE added:

“Every time I visit a school for the Walk and Wheel Challenge, I’m reminded just how much it matters to give kids the freedom to move in the way that works for them. Whether it’s walking, wheeling, scooting or jumping on a bike, these small daily journeys help build confidence, independence and healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

“What really inspires me is the energy and pride young people bring to it. They show us exactly what’s possible when we create neighbourhoods where children can travel safely and feel welcome on our streets. That shouldn’t be too much to ask, and the Walk and Wheel Challenge is a brilliant example of how we can make moving more fun, easy and part of everyday life. I’m looking forward to getting back into schools again this year to support the pupils and celebrate all the great work already happening across South Yorkshire.”