November 28, 2013 4.08 pm This story is over 123 months old

Lincoln schools awarded for sustainable travel

Green commute: Lincoln schools are awarded for sustainable travel, with one being among only nine in the country achieving a gold award.

Nine Lincoln schools have received Sustrans School Mark awards for promoting sustainable travel to school, with one achieving a gold award.

In fact, Washingborough Academy is one of only nine schools in the country to receive the gold award.

Sustrans is the leading charity enabling people to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys. Supporting the award was Sustrans Schools Officer Vincent Gibson.

Together with Access LN6, which also aims to support sustainable transport options, the programmes have helped schools to recognise the benefits of active travel.

Teachers and pupils from the schools were presented with their awards by the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Patrick Vaughan at The Guildhall on November 28.

Witham St Hughs Academy collecting their award from Cllr Patrick Vaughan, Mayor of Lincoln.

Witham St Hughs Academy collecting their award from Cllr Patrick Vaughan, Mayor of Lincoln.

Receiving a gold award was Washingborough Academy, who have recently installed new bike shelters and taken part in the Lincoln Cycle Grand Prix.

Washingborough Academy Headteacher Jason O’Rourke said: “It is a great achievement by the whole of our school community to be awarded the Gold Sustrans School Mark award.

“From the humble beginnings of two bikes in a run-down outhouse four years ago, we now have over 100 children and parents biking to school daily.

“We have bike maintenance sessions, bikers breakfast events, built new paths within the school grounds to make access easier for bikes, provided cycle safety sessions and many more activities that has enabled our children to realise that not only is getting on your bike benefitting your health and the environment but also a wonderful learning experience too.”

Councillor Stuart Kinch from Lincolnshire County Council said: “The work undertaken by all of these schools to encourage active travel is inspirational, and we’re delighted to recognise the schoolchildren and teachers involved.

“We hope that schools across the county are inspired by these achievements and encourage schoolchildren, parents and teachers to walk or cycle to school.”

Sustrans Schools Officer Vincent Gibson with schoolchildren from Leslie Manser School.

Sustrans Schools Officer Vincent Gibson with schoolchildren from Leslie Manser School.

Schools receiving Sustrans School Mark awards on November 28 were:

  • All Saints Church of England Primary School (North Hykeham)
  • Birchwood Junior School
  • Hartsholme Academy
  • Fosse Way Primary School (North Hykeham)
  • Ling Moor Academy (North Hykeham)
  • Leslie Manser Primary School (Doddington Park)
  • The Meadows Primary School (Bracebridge Low Fields)
  • Washingborough Academy
  • Witham St Hughs Academy