Suffolk schools take on Dragon's Den challenge to promote active travel
From hiding painted rocks along walking routes to setting up golden bike lock competitions, Suffolk pupils are coming up with creative ways to get their classmates out of cars and onto their feet.
Why it matters: Schools that took part in the programme last year received funding, and all have reported an increase in active travel, with more pupils choosing to walk or cycle to and from school.
The details: This year's event took place on Friday, 13 March in the council chamber at Endeavour House in Ipswich. It was hosted by Suffolk County Council's 'The Way To Go' team and delivered by Modeshift, a national sustainable travel organisation, as part of the Active Travel Ambassador programme, which works with secondary schools and councils to promote sustainable travel.
Suffolk County Council doubled the £200 put forward by Modeshift, making £400 available to each school, with an additional £50 bonus for the best presentation.
What they pitched: Pupils from Northgate High School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy in Ipswich, Claydon High School, Hadleigh High School and King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds each presented their ideas, ranging from golden bike lock competitions and prize wheels to hiding painted rocks along popular walking routes for students to find and exchange for prizes.
King Edward VI School was awarded the £50 bonus prize by the judges, who praised its clear messages, range of ideas and plan to use the funding to update the school's cycle stands.
What they're saying: Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council's deputy cabinet member for transport strategy, said: "This is a fantastic programme because it gives students the confidence and skills to tackle the transport issues affecting their school and promote behaviour change.
"Lots more pupils in Suffolk are now opting to walk, cycle or take the bus to school, and it was inspiring during the pitches to hear how passionate these young people were about sustainable travel."
What's next: A follow-up event will take place at the end of the summer term to assess the impact of the projects, and Councillor Nicoll encouraged other schools to get involved with the Active Travel Ambassador programme.
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