A Surrey primary school brightens up the school day

On Tuesday 26th January 2010, 150 children from Merstham Primary School, in Surrey, wore the brightest clothes they could find, to create a sea of rainbow and neon colours, as they walked or cycled to school for a ‘Brighten Up Yourself’ day.

Sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, challenged pupils to travel to school wearing as many bright clothes as possible, to highlight the importance of wearing bright colours whilst walking or cycling to school in the dark winter months. Prizes, including cycle helmets, bike lights and luminous bags, were given to the children who had made the most effort.

The school’s Sustrans Bike It Officer, Gayle Rowson comments, “We had a brilliant turn out for the ‘Brighten Up Yourself’ day; children from all ages throughout the school joined in.

“It’s vital that children understand the importance of being seen while they walk or ride to and from school. I would urge all pupils to be bright, be seen and ultimately be safe.”

Merstham Primary is one of 18 Sustrans Bike It schools in Surrey . The school has been working with Sustrans, in partnership with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, since September 2009 and is looking forward to the arrival of some new cycle storage this term.

Further information about Sustrans and Bike It, including other news releases, is available through our website: www.sustrans.org.uk

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