South Yorkshire schools invited to join Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge 

With just over one week to go, primary schools across South Yorkshire are being reminded to sign up for the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge, encouraging children to walk, wheel, scoot or cycle to school.  

The five day challenge, running from 18–22 May, aims to get children moving, cut traffic at the school gates and help families build healthier, more active routines.  

Schools still have time to take part. Through a unique South Yorkshire collaboration with Living Streets’ Walk to School Week, the first 100 schools to sign up will receive free classroom resources, including activity packs, stickers and charts to support pupils.  

All participating schools will be entered into a prize draw to win bikes, scooters, a scooter pod and a cycling workshop delivered by South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE.  

More than 220 schools have taken part over the last two years, and over 170 schools and thousands of children across the region are joining in for 2026.  

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:  

“I’m committed to making South Yorkshire the best place in the country for kids to walk, wheel and cycle - and over the last two years, thousands of children from hundreds of schools have shown just what’s possible when young people are given a chance to challenge themselves and each other.  

“Schools are at the heart of our plans, because every child deserves to feel safe walking to school or playing outside. That’s why we’re gearing up for this year’s challenge with Living Streets - giving even more children the freedom and choice to move more, move differently and grow up healthier and happier.”   

The challenge encourages families to swap short car journeys for active travel, or use ‘Park and Stride’, helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality around schools.  

South Yorkshire’s Active Lives Commissioner Ed Clancy OBE said:  

“Every year, the Walk and Wheel Challenge shows just how much it matters to give kids the freedom to move in ways that work for them. Walking, wheeling or cycling to school helps children build confidence, independence and healthy habits that last a lifetime.  

“What inspires me most is the energy young people bring to it. When we create neighbourhoods where children can travel safely and feel welcome on our streets, moving becomes easier, more fun and part of everyday life - and that’s exactly what this challenge is about.”  

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets:

“Hundreds of thousands of children nationwide are putting their best foot forward and getting active this Walk to School Week. We are delighted that pupils from South Yorkshire will be joining them again, thanks to the Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge.

“Together they will discover the benefits of walking and wheeling, learn about road safety and most importantly, have fun. Sign up today for safer, cleaner streets and happier, healthier children.”

Schools can sign up and find out more at: southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/explore_school-walk-wheel