Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel  

The challenge runs from 11-22 March 2024

Active travel is a great way to build physical activity into children’s daily routine. It helps them arrive at school more relaxed and alert and is great for their mental wellbeing too.

The Big Walk and Wheel aims to encourage more families to travel to school actively to help create healthier and happier communities. On each day of the challenge, schools compete to see who can record the greatest proportion of their pupils walking, using a wheelchair, scooting or cycling to school. 

Get walking and wheeling! 

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is a great way to build physical activity in children’s daily routine, which is important for their physical health and mental wellbeing. 

Active school runs also help to reduce congestion and air pollution outside the school gate. A 2021 YouGov study showed nearly half of UK children worry about air pollution near their school. And that children thought active travel was the best away to bring down these pollution levels. Plus there are some great prizes to be won every day! 

If your child’s school is taking part, encourage your child(ren) to walk, use a wheelchair, scoot or cycle to school on as many days as possible during the event! 

How it works  

On each day of the challenge schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils walking, using a wheelchair, scooting or cycling to school. A school’s best five days will determine their final position and schools at the top of their leaderboards will receive an exclusive Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel certificate.  

Prizes  

All schools will be entered into daily prize draws for rewards if over 15% of your school takes part on each day of the challenge. Prizes up for grabs include accessories and equipment to help your school travel actively. 

Useful resources for families 

To help you prepare, Sustrans has developed a handy free guide to walking, cycling or scooting to school. It is packed with advice to help you have hassle-free journey to school. 

Download your free family guide here 

Find out more about the Big Walk and Wheel 2024 by visiting bigwalkandwheel.org.uk.