PUPILS GET PEDAL READY WITH ED CLANCY OBE IN MAYOR’S WALK AND WHEEL CHALLENGE WIN

Published 16 October 2025 at 9:30am

Pupils at Tinsley Meadows Primary School took part in a special cycling workshop with Olympic gold medallist and South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, after winning a prize in the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge 2025.
 
 The school was one of over 140 across South Yorkshire to join Mayor Oliver Coppard’s Challenge that encouraged children to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school, promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.
 
 As part of the challenge, schools entered a prize draw to win scooters, balance bikes, cycling equipment and a Bikeability workshop led by Ed Clancy. Tinsley Meadows was selected to receive the workshop, helping pupils build cycling skills, confidence and road safety awareness.
 
 The school celebrated its win during Cycle to School Week (13-17 October 2025).
 
South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, said:
 
 “It was brilliant to see how much energy and enthusiasm the kids at Tinsley Meadows brought to the session. I believe every child should have the freedom to choose whether to walk, scoot, or bike to school – it’s a great way to stay active, build confidence and healthy habits for life. The Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge is all about making moving more fun and easy, and this workshop was a cracking example of that in action.”
 
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:
 
 “My Walk and Wheel Challenge is all about giving our young people the freedom to move more and move differently, whether that’s walking, wheeling, scooting, or cycling to school. I’m proud that Tinsley Meadows Primary School got stuck in and won the chance to work with Ed Clancy, one of our region’s sporting legends and our brilliant Active Lives Commissioner.
 
 “I launched the challenge to help our young people build confidence, stay active, and feel safe getting to school in ways that work for them. It’s not just about getting from A to B, it’s about making active travel the easy, obvious choice for families across South Yorkshire, and building a region where every child gets the best possible start in life.”
 
 Tinsley Meadows’ Bikeability session included practical cycling activities tailored to different skill levels, with pupils learning how to ride safely, signal clearly, and navigate everyday journeys. Teachers and staff praised the event for inspiring pupils and reinforcing the school’s commitment to sustainable travel.
 
The Bikeability Trust Chief Executive, Emily Cherry, said: 
 
 “I was thrilled for Bikeability to host this special session with Ed Clancy for the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge during Cycle to School Week, which celebrates cycling as the fun and planet-friendly alternative to school-run traffic jams. With more than 405,000 pledges,* this is our most successful Cycle to School Week yet, proving the perfect opportunity for children to discover the benefits of cycling to school with their friends, helping them towards happier and healthier lifestyles.”
 
 The Walk and Wheel Challenge forms part of the Mayor’s wider ambition to make South Yorkshire the best place in the country for children to walk, wheel and cycle, with an ambitious plan with schools at its heart.
 
 More information about South Yorkshire Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy: Walking, Wheeling and Cycling in South Yorkshire.