Lincoln academy top of the class for getting kids on their bikes

A Lincoln school has achieved a top ten finish in a national competition to encourage pupils, parents and staff to cycle more frequently.

Washingborough Academy had the second best score in the whole of the East Midlands for the Big Pedal competition, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting challenge.

The Big Pedal, which this year involved nearly 2,000 schools, encourages people to cycle to work and then creates a league table based on the greatest proportion of the school community who use two-wheels over ten days.

Washingborough managed to get nearly 85% of parents, pupils and staff on their bikes, putting the school in ninth position overall.

It is the fifth consecutive year that the primary school has been in the top ten nationally.

The school collected a number of competition prizes – including helmets, lights, handlebar grips, puncture repair kits, water bottles, snapits, gloves, seat covers, Cycle Top Trumps – donated by Sustrans and Imp Sport.

It also received a top of the range scooter from Lincoln-based F&J Cycles.

“We are delighted to be placed in the top ten again. It’s a fantastic achievement by the pupils, parents and staff to manage this for the fifth year running,” said headteacher Jason O’Rourke.

“We are really committed to encouraging the whole community in Washingborough to cycle and this challenge has become a focal point for that. To see children, parents and grandparents out on the roads of the village on bikes together is a wonderful sight.”