Pupils at several schools across Wrexham were treated to a spectacular BMX display after showing their commitment to walking and cycling!
The Big Walk and Wheel was a nationwide event organised by Sustrans earlier this year.
It challenged schools across the UK to see how many walking and cycling journeys their pupils could rack up over the course of a week.
The aim was to reduce traffic and improve air quality around schools, and inspire both children and parents to embrace the health and wellbeing benefits of travelling on foot or hopping on a bike.
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The Wrexham schools that took part recorded thousands of walking and cycling journeys between them.
The schools included:
- Ysgol Bro Alun
- Victoria Primary School
- Ysgol Pen y Gelli
- Ysgol Llan Y Pwll (infants)
- St Mary’s Brymbo
- All Saints Primary School
- Holt Primary School
Holt Primary School scored the highest in Wrexham, with 77% of pupils taking part and the school ranking 25th in the UK in the ‘very small primary school category.’
Top in the ‘large primary school category’ for Wrexham was All Saints in Gresford, with 51.9% of pupils taking part.
This week, as a reward for their efforts, children at all seven Wrexham schools are being treated to a scintillating display of stunts and tricks by BMX master Matti Hemmings.
A three-time Guinness World Record holder, as well as a European Champion and five-time UK Champion, Matti has competed and performed all over the world.
He said: “We’re absolutely loving our week here in Wrexham – the children and staff are fantastic and so enthusiastic, and I’m treating them to some of my favourite tricks and stunts!
“I’m really impressed by how much walking and cycling the students and parents did during The Big Walk and Wheel – they put in a huge effort and will hopefully be inspired to walk and cycle more in the future.”
The BMX shows are being funded through the Welsh Government Active Travel fund, administered by Transport for Wales.
Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Education, said: “A huge well done to all the schools that took part in The Big Walk and Wheel.
“Between them, our schools recorded 4,341 journeys on foot or bicycle during that week, which is amazing.
“As a council, we want pupils to walk and cycle more if they can, along with their parents. We know this isn’t always possible, but every time the car is left at home it helps reduce traffic and parking pressures at the school gate.
“Walking and cycling can also be a lot of fun, and good for our health and wellbeing.”
