Well, I had a suspicion that our bike riders and scooters had dropped in number and I was correct. The hands up survey today unfortunately confirmed that. Although the number of students who said that they rode or scooted was less than the number of bikes and scooters in the compound! We had 44 student say that they came to school by bike or scooter but had 51 bikes and scooters in the compound! Overall there was very little difference in the percentage of active travel vs car travel. This is pleasing in one way but disappointing that our activities this year have not made any significant difference in student behaviour.

One factor that needs to be taken into consideration is that we are currently running a reward project for those who ride regularly. They collect a stamp every day that they ride and once they get 12 stamps over a 3 week period they can go on an excursion on their bikes in the park next door and get given lunch. This is only the first week of collecting stamps.

I will repeat the Hands Up survey in week 8, after the project has finished and before the reward activity to see if there has been any impact. Two other things that will impact the data in week 8 we will have no year 11 students (they will have finished for the year) and we are sending out a survey for parents to complete next week. I am hoping that prompting parents to think about how they got to school may help them encourage their children to come to school more actively. My fingers are crossed!

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James (Your Move)

Hi Sue - Osborne PS also did a survey last week and also found and increase in PT and walking but a reduction in cycling. They speculated that the recent fluctuations in weather could have had an impact. It makes sense to me that bike riding is more affected by the weather, so it could be a factor. I think it will be good to see the results after your current reward project. You have automatically earned 50 points for uploading your survey results and 10 points for your reflections here.

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Sue

Hi James, yes, the weather could be a factor. There has been a drop in the number of bikes/scooters in the compound overall for most of the year. (My office is next door to the bike compound so I often detour over and count the bikes!).

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Sue

PS, could you please amend the points for this story. :)

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James (Your Move)

Hi Sue - the 50 points goes through separately from the story (it happens when you upload the results) so you won't see it above but it is in your balance. It was credited on 4/11/21.

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Sue

Thank you James for explaining the points. I hope you got to enjoy the sunshine this weekend.

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