A 17 time Paralympic gold medallist, surprised kids at a Leicester school to launch a new national cycling initiative – FRideDays Bike Bus.
Up to 400 school kids at St Catherine’s Junior School, took part in the first-ever FRideDays Bike Bus on Friday, March 31, which is an initiative designed to encourage parents, guardians, teachers, volunteers and children to walk, wheel or cycle to school together every Friday in scheduled bike bus rides.
It aims to improve children’s physical activity and mental health.
Great Britain’s Greatest Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, joined the ride, encouraging parents, guardians and school teachers to set up their own.
“Cycling is probably the most fun way for children to travel so why should getting to school be any different?” said the 17 time Paralympic gold medallist on the day.
“I’m very excited by the FRideDays Bike Bus plans and the opportunity this will bring for more children to have the same fun as these children here today.”
To raise awareness of the initiative and demonstrate how easy it is to get involved, Dom Whiting, also joined the ride.
The Cycling DJ combines his passion for music and cycling by performing live DJ sets while riding his bike across towns and cities across the UK.
Commenting on the launch, he said: “As a DJ who loves to get people moving, I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the FRideDays Bike Bus initiative that encourages parents & children to ditch their cars each Friday and hop on a bike for their commute to school.
“Cycling is a fun and healthy way for kids to start their day, and I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to this initiative by providing some energising music and positive vibes along the way.
“I am really looking forward to seeing more people embrace the joy of cycling.”
For more information on the FRideDays Bike Bus initiative and to download the free bike bus toolkit, visit the website at sustrans.org.uk/fridedays.
