Big Walk and Wheel

Big Walk and Wheel in Gloucestershire Schools

Encouraging Active Travel for a Healthier Future

Getting active on the way to school is one of the best ways to build movement into a child’s daily routine. It helps them arrive feeling awake, relaxed, and ready to learn, which does wonders for their mental well-being too.

About the Big Walk and Wheel

Organised by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, the Big Walk and Wheel is the UK’s largest interschool active travel challenge. The goal is simple: inspire more families to leave the car at home and travel to school actively. This creates healthier, happier communities for everyone.​

During the challenge, schools compete to see who can get the highest percentage of pupils walking, using a wheelchair, scooting, or cycling to school.

Why Get Involved?

Taking part helps children get the physical activity they need for good physical and mental health. But it goes beyond just fitness. Active school runs significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution around the school gates.

In fact, a YouGov study found that nearly half of UK children worry about air pollution near their schools and believe active travel is the best solution. Plus, it’s fun! There are fantastic prizes up for grabs every single day of the challenge.

How It Works

• Daily Counts: On each day of the challenge, schools record how many students travel actively (walking, wheeling, scooting, or cycling).

• The Leaderboard: A school’s final position is based on their best five days of participation.

• Certificates: Schools that top their leaderboards will receive an exclusive Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Big Walk and Wheel certificate.

To get your school involved, you can register here:
Register for the Big Walk and Wheel

Prizes

Every school that hits over 15% participation on a given day gets entered into a daily prize draw. Rewards include accessories and equipment designed to support active travel at your school.

Why It Matters

For the Environment:
Fewer cars mean fewer emissions. By swapping driving for active travel, we directly cut down air pollution and contribute to a healthier planet.

For Students:

• Health & Fitness: Daily movement boosts fitness, combats obesity, and supports overall health.

• Road Safety: Kids gain confidence navigating their local area and learn vital road safety skills.

• Better Focus: Physical activity before the bell rings improves concentration and readiness to learn in the classroom.

• Community Spirit: The event brings students, parents, and staff together for a shared goal.

Useful Resources for Families

To make the switch easier, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has created a free guide to walking, cycling, or scooting to school. It is packed with tips for a hassle-free journey. Download your free family guide here.​

Join Us in Making a Difference

If your school is taking part, encourage your child to walk, wheel, scoot, or cycle as often as possible during the event. By joining in, Gloucestershire schools are helping build a cleaner environment and raising healthier, happier kids.

Let’s make strides toward sustainable travel and a brighter future.

Connect with Us
Stay updated and share your journey on our social media channels:

• X: @thinktravelglos

• Facebook: thinktravelglos

For more information and resources, visit ThinkTravel.