Dulwich kids head to iconic velodrome track in bid to promote healthy school run travel
By Regina Motalib
Children at a Dulwich primary school are gearing up for a cycling event at an iconic cycle track before they start their school day.
After a healthy breakfast smoothie, the pupils from Dulwich Village Church of England School, in Dulwich Village, will be mounting their bicycles to do some laps at the iconic Herne Hill Velodrome before they head back to school.
About 100 children aged between four and seven and their families will meet at the velodrome ready to participate at the event – which is due to take place on Monday, March 31.
The initiative is part of the school’s long-term commitment to encourage families to tackle the school run using active travel.
James Keen, 42, is the school’s parent representative at the Dulwich & Herne Hill Safe Routes to School programme.
An avid cyclist and father-of-two, James said: “I’m very proud my children attend a school that is so genuinely proactive in the way it supports active travel to school. I can’t wait to lead our families out for a few laps of the velodrome before school.”
As well as the cycling event, the young pupils at the school are preparing to run the TCS Mini London Marathon for the third time. Also planned for the summer term is a ‘run to school day’.
The school designed and conducted a questionnaire to understand and address the hurdles to active school travel, so more families can participate in the initiative.
Helen Poyton, headteacher at Dulwich Village C of E Infants’ School, said: “We ran a parent survey to see how we can further encourage safe and active travel to school.
“While we are extremely lucky to have such an accessible sporting venue on our doorstep, we want to ensure our families feel comfortable and confident travelling to school using active travel.
“When I see our children arriving for school via active travel and spot the smiles on their faces it highlights that this is a fantastic way to start the school day.”
Herne Hill Velodrome is the only remaining venue left standing from the 1948 London Olympic Games.
Tianne Bell, Youth Cycling Development Officer at Herne Hill Velodrome, said she couldn’t wait to welcome the children.
She added: “We work closely with local schools and youth groups to promote cycling of all forms.
“Events like this help raise awareness of the facility and get the message out that it’s for all ages and abilities and not just an elite sports venue.”
Pictured top: Jack Keen, four, with headteacher Helen Poyton, outside Dulwich Village C of E Infants’ School (Picture: James Keen)