Hundreds of school children in Swansea are taking part in a UK-wide cycling and walking event.
More than 20 primary schools in the city have signed up to Sustrans ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ event which will take place between March 24 and April 4.
It aims to encourage schoolchildren to walk, cycle or scoot to and from school, building pupils’ confidence, resilience and life-long healthy habits.
Among the schools taking part is Penyrheol Primary where active travel is part of everyday school life.
By the time children leave nursery, they can confidently ride a balance bike, mastering essential skills like stopping, gliding, and manoeuvring around obstacles.
By the end of reception, every pupil can ride a two-wheeled bike, demonstrating the school’s dedication to ensuring children develop essential cycling skills from an early age.
Headteacher Alison Williams said: “Learning to ride a bike is more than just a skill—it builds resilience, independence, and confidence that children carry with them into many other areas of their lives and learning.
“The school’s efforts are supported by an enthusiastic parent community, many of whom enjoy walking or cycling to school with their children. One parent remarked it’s a great to keep your steps up while supporting your child’s active journey to school.
“There are also great ideas for future plans to promote daily active travel building on the outstanding support from Sustrans.
“This year’s Big Wheel Active Travel Event will feature a range of exciting activities, including the Bling Your Bike/Scooter/Boots which is a fun and creative event encouraging pupils to decorate their bikes and scooters to celebrate the benefits of active travel in a colourful and engaging way.
“Pupils and staff will also be meeting early on the local community green area to travel to school together with the school well-being dog Gracie.”
Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many schools in Swansea taking part in the Sustrans event and learning about the benefits of keeping active and healthy.
“In Swansea we have over 120km of great cycle and walking routes and we are working to develop even more.”
