SCHOOL PUPILS PITCH CYCLING AND WALKING PLANS TO OLYMPIAN AT ‘DRAGONS DEN’ EVENT

Published 5 March 2024 at 3:30pm

Pupils pitched plans to improve walking, wheeling and cycling at schools across South Yorkshire on Thursday (29 February) in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event judged by triple Olympic cycling champion Ed Clancy, OBE.

Having developed active travel plans, aspiring secondary school students from eight schools went in front of a panel for the cash to turn their ideas into reality.

Students from Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster presented the creative measures they are taking, under Modeshift STARS Active Travel Ambassadors programme, to cut car use. The schools were awarded with up to £250 to fund their plans.

South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, said: “I first fell in love with two wheels because it was an enjoyable way to get to school. Now, without a doubt, the best thing about retiring from professional sport is helping others to experience walking, wheeling and cycling themselves.

“Modeshift’s Active Travel Ambassadors programme is so important, helping to break down the barriers that prevent children walking, wheeling or cycling on the school run and encouraging happier, healthier journeys. I’m truly inspired by all the pupils, schools and partners involved and I can’t wait to hear their plans.”

Ross Butcher, Modeshift Chair said: ‘The Modeshift Active Travel Ambassadors programme empowers secondary school pupils by giving them the skills and confidence to tackle travel issues in their school. They are working incredibly hard to promote the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling, acting as active travel role models to their friends and peers and leaving a legacy in their school community.”

Chris Pryor, Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator (South & West Yorkshire) said: ‘It’s a pleasure working with the schools. Their ideas and enthusiasm are infectious. The reduction in car use they have already seen speaks for itself and the cash from the event today will help them achieve their active travel goals’.

Schools participating in the Modeshift STARS Active Travel Ambassadors programme ‘Dragon’s Den’ event on 29 February at Sheffield Town Hall were Astrea Sheffield, Wath, Oakwood, Dinnington, Silverdale, Brinsworth, Woodfield. The photo above shows Astrea Academy Active Travel Ambassadors at the Modeshift STARS event with South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner Ed Clancy OBE.

Schools that participate in the Active Travel Ambassadors programme receive expert support from Modeshift to help pupils create a travel plan for the school before bidding for funding to deliver their ambitions. This can include Bikeability cycle training for pupils and Dr Bike cycle maintenance classes to get more pupils cycling and walking to school. Events are being held across the country.

Modeshift is a not-for-profit membership organisation that exists to increase levels of active and sustainable travel in business, education and community settings. Over 800 industry professionals are registered with Modeshift representing the public, private and third sectors.