Alastair challenges Bike it schools to virtually cycle round the world!
Round the world cyclist Alastair Humphreys returns to the district this month to challenge 7 more Sustrans Bike It schools to virtually cycle around the world.
Round the world cyclist Alastair Humphreys returns to the district this month to challenge 7 more Sustrans Bike It schools to virtually cycle around the world.
Alastair left England in August 2001 on his quest for adventure by bike. After more than 1,500 days and 46,000 miles spanning 5 continents and 60 countries, Alastair arrived back home in November 2005.
Last January, Alastair captivated scores of children from several of the district's Bike It schools with his tales about his mammoth voyage. Children and staff from six Bike It schools completed their trip round the world by adding so many miles on each time they cycled to school.
This year seven more Bike It schools will be competing against each other. Each will have a notice board with a map of Alastair’s route where they can follow their progress. The school that completes the around the world trip first will receive a prize.
Angela Wain, Bike It cycling champion and staff member at Skerton Primary said: "Alastair’s amazing trip is sure to inspire the children of Skerton Primary to get on their own bikes. We have new bike stands and expect them to be well used over the next few months".
Kathy Bashford, Bike It Officer for Sustrans said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have Alastair back again. These virtual challenges are great at producing real results when it comes to getting more children cycling to school. It’s so important that young people are given positive role models to inspire them to choose ways of travelling that are good for them and their environment.”
Coun Eileen Blamire, cabinet member with responsibility for cycling said: "Alastair's tour of several of our Bike It schools last year was a huge success. School children were talking about him for weeks afterwards and logging onto his website to find out more about his travels. I'm sure his return will continue to spread the urge for children to cycle more often."
If you would like to hear Alastair talk about his trip he will also be dropping in at the The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster during the evening of Wednesday, February 13 at 7.30pm. Admission free.
Space is very limited in the Gallery so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. To reserve your ticket please call the Dukes Box Office at 0845 344 0642.
Alastair’s visit is being jointly funded by Lancaster City Council’s Cycling Demonstration Town Project and Sustrans.
Date Updated: 19/03/09