Active Travel Ambassadors pitch cycling and walking plans to Olympian at ‘Dragons Den’ event
On 29 February, Modeshift STARS Active Travel Ambassadors (ATA) programme Pupils will pitch plans to improve walking, wheeling and cycling at schools across South Yorkshire in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event judged by triple Olympic cycling champion Ed Clancy, OBE.
Having developed active travel plans for their schools, aspiring secondary school students will go in front of a panel for the cash to turn their ideas into reality. Representatives from Living Streets and Bikeability join Ed on the judging panel.
Students from Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster will present the creative measures they are taking, under our ATA programme, to cut car use. Winning schools will be awarded with £200 to fund their plans.
South Yorkshire’s Active Travel Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, said: ‘I first fell in love with two wheels because it was an enjoyable way to get to school. Now, without a doubt, the best thing about retiring from professional sport is helping others to experience walking, wheeling and cycling themselves.
Modeshift’s Active Travel Ambassadors programme is so important, helping to break down the barriers that prevent children walking, wheeling or cycling on the school run and encouraging happier, healthier journeys. I’m truly inspired by all the pupils, schools and partners involved and I can’t wait to hear their plans.’
Ross Butcher, Modeshift Chair said: ‘The Modeshift Active Travel Ambassadors programme empowers secondary school pupils by giving them the skills and confidence to tackle travel issues in their school. They are working incredibly hard to promote the benefits of walking, wheeling and cycling, acting as active travel role models to their friends and peers and leaving a legacy in their school community.’
And, Chris Pryor, Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator (South & West Yorkshire) said: ‘It’s a pleasure working with the schools. Their ideas and enthusiasm are infectious. The reduction in car use they have already seen speaks for itself and the cash from the event today will help them achieve their active travel goals’.
