Pupils given money for pedal power.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney, The Thetford Academy and Green Ventures Bike Shop are funding a scheme to help pupils at the school buy a new or recycled bike along with discounts for accessories and repairs.
The Subsidised Bike Purchase Scheme has been set up to help pupils travel to the school. The Academy currently has two sites – a north and south campus – but all its students will be based at the north campus once its new building has been completed by September 2013.
Cathy Spillane, Principal of The Thetford Academy, said: “We are aware of concern from some parents about the increased journey for their children in travelling across town to our North Campus so we are pleased to be able to provide some help to pupils to buy a bike or safety equipment.
“The Academy has already provided support by subsidising a bus service and this partnership initiative will provide students with an alternative means to get to school and promote healthy living.”
All pupils will be entitled to 10% off new bikes from Green Ventures Bike Shop, which is run by Keystone Development Trust, along with 25% discount on accessories and repairs. Pupils who are entitled to free school meals will also be given a £50 voucher towards the cost of buying a bike, funded jointly by the Academy and NHS Norfolk and Waveney.
Carol Doherty, Project Manager for Thetford Healthy Towns and part of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “This is a really great project as we are staying local and helping the economy of the area by offering competitive rates for new and secondhand bikes, as well as helping pupils to use a sustainable and healthy option to get to school.”
Sheila Childerhouse, Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, added: “I cycle regularly and know it keeps me fitter, as well as being a great way to travel. I think this scheme is a fantastic idea and a positive solution to the school’s location merger.
“If I was one of the pupils I’d be taking up the offer and if I was still teaching I’d want to take up the offer too. What great partnership working too between the school, bike shop and the NHS – I hope we can achieve this in other areas of healthcare.”
The scheme officially launches on Friday, September 21 at 2.45pm at The Academy Thetford’s South Campus on Staniforth Road.
Pupils from the school and Green Ventures Bike Shop will be available for interview. Elizabeth Truss MP will also be attending the launch.
Neil Stott, Chief Executive Officer from Keystone Development Trust representing Green Ventures Bike Shop, said: “We are offering every student from the school the discounts and hope they take up the offer. We recycle bikes that have been thrown away right up to selling brand-new bikes. There is an option for any of the pupils – or anyone wanting a bike.
“We also assemble the bike for you and make sure every bike it ready to go. The more we can promote safe and healthy cycling the better.”
