Cycling organisations are aiming to get every pre-school child in Glasgow on a bike and there are plenty of opportunities to help out!
What’s the campaign called?
Play on Wheels has developed from a four-way partnership between the national cycling charity the Cyclist Touring Club (CTC), the Glasgow Bike Station, Play Scotland and Cycling Scotland.
What’s the point?
This project aims to get every child under four-years-old in Glasgow on a bike before they start school. Play on Wheels will enable children to lead healthier lifestyles, increase activity levels and encourage families to enjoy the cycle routes and greenspace in their city. There will also be a city-wide event in 2015 to bring all the Play on Wheels participants together to demonstrate their new skills on the closed roads of the city with their families and friends.
Why should we care?
Health problems caused by inactivity will cost the UK £50 billion by 2050 and prevents people across Scotland from living the life they want to. Cycling is a great way to get active and enjoy time in the outdoors with friends and family. Cycling can reduce the need for short car journeys, reducing congestion and pollution, creating a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. And with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner this is the perfect project to kick off the year of sport for Glasgow!
Who else cares?
On 29 January 2014 Play on Wheels won an amazing £231,957 from the Dream Fund. Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Dream Fund has made this incredible concept a reality. Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have to date generated in excess of £35.6 million for good causes and we are delighted players are able to support this fantastic cause.
Cycling is a great way to get active and enjoy time in the outdoors with friends and family.
Who are you targeting?
This project will work with 50 community organisations, including nurseries, playgroups, disability support groups, health and medical centres and community centres across Glasgow to create a group of cycling ambassadors. These will be instrumental in targeting every family in their community and getting them cycling. We want to ensure every family has the opportunity to get involved with Play on Wheels so we’ll be working with partners to ensure children have what they need to get pedaling.
What would a better world look like?
Amsterdam or Copenhagen, where cycling is as an everyday activity that gets you to school, work, the shops and the cinema. Denmark is often cited as the happiest place in the world, and we’re pretty sure it’s something to do with the levels of cycling
What can we do?
If you want to spread the cycling love in your Glasgow community or organisation please get in touch! Our Professor Balance will also be recruiting an army of helpers to help children move from a balance bike to a pedal bike – if you think you’d like to help him inspire a generation of children in Glasgow we’d like to hear from you too.
