Sustrans “Bike It”
Capital Shopping Centres, through MetroCentre, and Sustrans launched a new partnership in September 2008 aimed at promoting cycling for children in Gateshead and South Tyneside.
“Bike It” is a nationwide project, managed by Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, supporting and promoting cycling to school, making it both safe and fun. Participating schools across England have seen levels of cycling treble within a year, bucking the trend in declining numbers of children cycling to school. Ryton Junior School in Gateshead is one of the first to take part in this project which is to be rolled out to other schools in Gateshead and South Tyneside.
As part of the project, MetroCentre has provided local schools with cycling equipment including 17 bikes, helmets and high visibility vests as well as a trailer to enable schools to take pupils out into their local area, take part in cycling activities and enjoy the outdoors. MetroCentre will work with Sustrans to support “Bike It” over a three year period.
Cycling is fun, health-giving and orientated towards the whole community. The “Bike It” project encourages safe cycling for children to enable them to enjoy cycling and stay healthy at the same time. Caring for our health and our local environment are equally addressed in the Sustrans “Bike It” initiative. This blends with our wish to support young people in areas in which the group operates and encourage them to appreciate the environment and consider how they may preserve it.
Working with Sustrans nationally as a major corporate responsibility partner and the launch of the MetroCentre “Bike It” represents the first fruits of our partnership, which is planned to be extended to Lakeside Shopping Centre in 2009.
