STUDENTS in Nottingham are to be encouraged to cycle to and from school every day as part of a £130,000 campaign.
The city council has given the cash, provided by the Department of Transport, to sustainable-travel charity Sustrans to run the three-year project, called Bike It. Secondary schools and academies in the city will take part in the programme, though which ones have yet to be revealed.
The plans have received a mixed response from heads spoken to by the Post. Peter Brown, head teacher at Top Valley Academy, said: "I think this is a great idea. Hopefully, it will encourage independence and fitness in our youngsters.
"Biking to school is growing in popularity here at Top Valley Academy."
Steve Manderson, assistant head at Trinity School, in Aspley, said the money would be better spent on bringing back school buses for his pupils.
He said: "Two years ago, we lost our dedicated school bus and I think many pupils preferred that as a safe mode of transport into school.
"Of course, cycling to school has its benefits but we need to make sure youngsters are safe as a priority."
The money will be spent on classes for youngsters on issues like bike maintenance and cycling safety.
Sustrans has been working in Nottingham since 2009 on the successful Ucycle project – which encourages cycling among staff and students at the city's universities and the Nottingham NHS trusts.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, city council portfolio holder for planning and transportation, said: "We want to encourage young people to make the most of our network of cycle and walking routes to get them around the city and to help them keep fit and healthy.
"The routes link up to make travel into the city centre, local neighbourhoods, schools, major employment sites and park and ride sites much easier. The Bike It programme will help pupils, their families and school staff learn about bikes and cycling in Nottingham.
"Our position as a national leader for sustainable and integrated public and transport systems has helped us attract this funding from the Department of Transport. to spread the word, make sustainable travel such as cycling and walking the number one choice and continue to reduce the carbon footprint across Nottingham."
