Schools all over Dorset are encouraging pupils to jump on their bikes and scooters for The Big Pedal.

Taking place from March 3 to 14, The Big Pedal is a national competition organised by charity Sustrans and aims to get children active.

Hundreds of thousands of pupils are expected to take part in the Big Pedal 2014, an inter-school competition where schools get points for the more pupils who make journeys by bike or scooter.

First launched in 2009, the Big Pedal has gained popularity over the past five years and has become the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting competition.

Research shows that nearly half of all children want to be able to get to school by bike but only 4 per cent actually do.

The Big Pedal engages children in cycling and scooting to school in a fun way with the aim that they will continue cycling and scooting after the competition has finished.

Jonathan Dixon, Sustrans Bike It Plus officer said: “There are over 30 schools across Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole which are taking part in the Big Pedal, and I hope we’ll see some more register before the competition starts. We hope that by encouraging our children to walk, cycle and scoot to school over the next two weeks that we will see a reduction in congestion and pollution around the school gates, and help the children feel healthier and happier.”

Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for environment Hilary Cox, said: “So many adults remember what it was like to cycle and walk to school when they were young and it’s fantastic to see young people getting active and feeling the benefit.

“But this isn’t just an activity for these two weeks of the year, we’re encouraging parents and children to cycle and scoot to school all year round.

“With more investment in shared-use paths and cycle-ways across the county, parents and pupils now have even better access to traffic free routes.”

Malcolm Shepherd Sustrans Chief Executive said: “The average primary school journey is just 1.5 miles – the perfect distance to walk or cycle.

“We hope the Big Pedal will help thousands of families rediscover the fun and freedom of cycling to school, get fit and save money at the same time. I wish the staff, parents and pupils at participating schools good luck, and look forward to finding out the results.”

For more information please visit sustrans.org.uk