Two Derby schoolchildren are enjoying life in the saddle after winning a Tarmac-sponsored competition to design new bikes to highlight the benefits of cycling to school.
Joshua Cartwright, six, and Karis Akinwunmi, 10, pupils at The Bemrose School Primary Phase in Uttoxeter Road, also won new helmets and reflectors to help keep them safe whilst riding their smart new two-wheelers. The competition was part of National Bike to School Week.
Bemrose Primary Phase head teacher Kate Beecroft said: “We received more than 200 fantastic entries from children aged from three to 11 across the school.
“Karis and Joshua were thrilled and have been seen proudly riding to school using their new bikes!”
Steve Wallis, area operations manager for Tarmac, said: “We are pleased to have been able to help Bemrose School with this donation and hope the children enjoy using the new bikes. We are committed to supporting the communities around our operations and are currently looking at how we can assist the school further with possible career workshops and advice.”
National Bike to School week is organised by the cycling charity Sustrans and supported by the Bikeability Trust. The aim is to celebrate cycling and scooting, and the benefits for children’s health and the environment. Schools are supported with resources during the week to inspire pupils to think about active travel to school, as well as the causes and effects of air pollution.
Mrs Beecroft added: “Bike to School week was a great way for children to kickstart their active travel to school and to encourage a healthy school run for all of them.”
