Nicole Cooke taking a well-earned rest from training for the 2008 Bejing Olympics

Cycling for the future

Two weeks ago, at The Elmgreen School, a transport survey was carried out to find out how many of our students come to school by car, public transport, or bike or on foot. 

The importance of the issue of school transport was further highlighted yesterday in the Chancellor, Alistair Darling’s budget. 

He announced increases in taxes on family cars making the school run even more expensive.  For students like us living in South London, transport to and from school is a key issue.  This is not only because of the cost – now rising – but because of the environmental and health aspects.

At the Elmgreen School we recently carried out a survey about journeys to and from school.  The results are as follows:

Bus: 51.91%       Cycle: 0%       Walk: 35.88%     Car: 12.21%

We asked Mr Wilkinson, the deputy head teacher about his views on school transport.  He told us that he drives to school for half of the week and he would like the children of the school to do more walking and cycling. The school travel plan encourages children to come to school more environmentally. Schools have to do more to make the bikes look more attractive to children and encourage them more. There will be a new room where you can put your bikes and it will have CCTV and it will be very safe.

Mr Fryer, the ICT teacher at our school is a keen cyclist.  We asked him if he had cycled to school today and he said “I didn’t cycle today but any chance I get I will”. He cycles because “I love to stay fit and it’s quicker than waiting for a bus. I started cycling when I was 5 and that means I have been doing it for 36 years. Cycling is important because it is good for the environment and it is good for your health but most of all it is really fun”.

We have been very fortunate to be able to speak to Nicole Cooke, one of the world’s best women’s cyclists. She said “I think bikes are really eco friendly and you can ride them anywhere at any time. My family knew about cycling so family holidays were always taken up with bike riding, which got me into cycling tough races.”

She also said “I’m very proud of everything I’ve done. I’m proud, I’m a role model for children.”  Nicole was the youngest ever winner of the 2003 World Cup series and is looking forward to the Beijing Olympics. “I really want to win a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics this summer but it will take lots of hard work. I’m very excited though at the challenge I’m also looking forward to London 2012.”

Two of the BBC’s top sports presenters have taken to their bikes today to raise money for Sport Relief. Alan Shearer and Adrian Childs are cycling from St. James Park in Newcastle, Shearer’s former club, to BBC television centre in London – a total of 335 miles. They’re due to arrive tomorrow afternoon and will make a live appearance on the Sports Relief show in front of millions on BBC1. They will have only 5 hours sleep and a 10 minute break every 2 hours so they need all the sponsorship they can get.      

Many people are taking part in Sports Relief including the X Factor winner Leona Lewis. She travelled to South Africa for a heartbreaking visit to a HIV care centre. She also has sold her purple gown specially made for her by Roberto Cavalli to wear to the Brits Awards to raise all the money she can.

At The Elmgreen School we do sports once a week for 100 minutes. We asked Mrs Gadd, the PE teacher about her role. “It’s exciting and fulfilling being able to pass on practical skills as well as teaching the students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “I also hope that The Elmgreen School pupils continue to participate in physical activities throughout their life.”                                      

We also managed to get an interview with Jake Humphrey, presenter of Newsround:   “CBBC love getting involved with Sport Relief and we are trying to raise a lot of money for the children who need it. The Blue Peter presenters have climbed the four highest mountains in the UK, so we are doing well so far!”

Sport Relief is on BBC1 14th March 2008 at 7:00pm.