St Edward’s Primary School leads Greater Manchester Cycle Challenge

Staff from St Edward’s Primary school take part in the Try-a-bike event

The Greater Manchester Cycle Challenge has got off to a flying start and at the mid-way stage, the top performing organisation in the 50-200 employee category is St Edward’s Primary School, Castleton, with two thirds of staff riding for the challenge – even though most hadn’t cycled in years.

Headteacher Lynn Coxell, speaking after a try-a-bike session at the school, said: “The challenge has got us all riding our bikes and those who haven’t got bikes are looking to buy their own.

“The session was a really good team building exercise and great fun, a whole staff activity. We’ll certainly continue to cycle and will start organising some rides with the children.”

More than 1,300 people have taken to their bikes so far and pedalled more than 55,000 miles – that’s more than twice around the world! With a week-and-a-half left, it’s hoped that even more people will get involved before the challenge ends on Tuesday 5 June.

Seamus Kelly, from CTC, said: “The whole team at St Edward’s have certainly thrown down the gauntlet and will take some catching! Seeing their commitment and enjoyment as teachers and non-teaching staff pulled together at their Try-a-bike event was truly inspirational.”

The Greater Manchester Cycle Challenge is a competition to encourage people to take to their bikes and discover the joys and benefits of cycling. Workplaces are competing in one of six different size categories to see which can get the most employees cycling.

The challenge is for all employees, whether they already cycle or haven’t been on a bike for years. The idea is that individual’s cycle at a time to suit them, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.

To make sure their bike rides contribute towards their workplace’s success, they must record the details on the Greater Manchester Cycle Challenge website - www.tfgmcyclechallenge.org.uk

There’s still time to get involved with the challenge. If you haven’t signed up yet and still want to compete, don’t worry, you can register your team on the website at any time during the challenge.