GLASGOW schools have been urged to get on their bikes for a healthier lifestyle.

Pupils will take to the streets for an inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling competition from March 20 to 31.

The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel event is designed to inspire pupils to make active journeys to school, improve air quality in their neighbourhood and discover how these changes benefit their world.

The competition has been running since 2010 and sees schools compete on each day of the challenge to make the most journeys by walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling.

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Cecilia Oram, Sustrans head of behaviour change, said: “Hundreds of thousands of pupils have risen to the challenge and embraced active travel each year, and this is such a fun event for schools to take part in.

“There’s a serious element to the Big Walk and Wheel too. Not only does the event reduce pollution around the school gates but in 2019 it helped parents to save an estimated £1.6 million in petrol costs during the fortnight.”

Sustrans, the charity that aims to make it easier to walk, wheel and cycle, is delivering the competition with sponsors Schwalbe Tyres UK Limited and Glasgow City Council.

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Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN/ASN/ALN schools, with prizes to be won every day.

Free resources are available to encourage pupils to help reduce air pollution and learn about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their school, their neighbourhood, and the whole planet.

Xavier Brice, CEO at Sustrans, said: "The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is a fantastic opportunity for parents and pupils across the UK to enjoy the fun of a healthier and cheaper school run by walking, wheeling or cycling.

"We want to help people get out of their cars, so even if you choose to travel actively for only part of the school journey you will still be making a difference and putting our environment front and centre. Every short car journey swapped for an active alternative helps cut pollution, for a cleaner environment and healthier, happier communities."