PUPILS at a Darlington school were treated to a cycle stunt show to remember, in recognition of their efforts in support of a national cycling initiative.

The Big Pedal, held earlier this year, involved hundreds of children, parents and teachers from schools across Darlington leaving their cars at home and jumping on their bikes and scooters for the school run.

Youngsters from Cockerton Primary School enjoyed the display on Wednesday (May 22) as a reward.

The Big Pedal inter-school cycling and scooting competition spanned 15 school days between February 28 February and March 20, in Darlington and across the UK.

During those three weeks, despite the snow, almost 4,000 journeys to school were made by children on bikes.

Darlington’s best-performing schools were Hummersknott Academy, which was 15th in the national competition, and Cockerton, which finished 72nd overall.

Councillor David Lyonette, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Research shows that nearly 50 per cent of all children in the UK want to be able to get to school by bike but only four per cent actually do.

“The Big Pedal shows children and parents how easy it is to get around on two wheels, while saving money, boosting their health and helping the environment.

“In Darlington we have nine per cent of pupils traveling to school by bike or scooter.”

Cycling officer Kevin Kilcullen added: “Last year’s competition was a huge success with 16 schools from Darlington taking part.

“Since then I have been working with 22 schools across Darlington delivering cycling skills sessions, afterschool bike maintenance workshops, and learn to ride classes which aim to increase children’s confidence in cycling so they can ride without stabilisers.

“Each activity aims to increase the uptake of cycling to school and the response from pupils and teachers has been fantastic, as a result we now have 100 more pupils travelling to school by bike and scooter than last year.”