Did you know that by the year 2050 it has been predicted that 70% of girls and 50% of boys will be obese! Recent studies suggest that the health benefits of cycling far outweight the risks by 20 to 1!  They will have greater cardiovascular fitness, reduced levels of some cancers and obesity. 

Cycling to school will give a child independence and confidence, they will be forced to learn road safety and exercise will become an integral part of their life! It also promotes increased alertness and ability to concentrate whilst at school. The benefits to the environment will be less polution and congestion.Have you noticed that when it is holiday time there is far less traffic?! It is easier to get to work etc! If you have ever been near a school on drop off or pick up time it is unbelievable. I live near the Mountbatten School in Romsey and I cannot believe the number of children that are picked up by parents, when they only live down the road, my niece being one of them, purely because her mother and grandparents are overprotective!    The congestion around the school is unbelievable and it can take 20 to 40 minutes to drive from the Mountbatten School to North Baddesley which is less than a mile away. This is crazy especailly when there is a very safe cycle path all the way!

My message to you all is to save money (especially with the rise in petrol price), protect the environment and help your child lead a healthy active lifestyle. Get them enrolled on a cycle training scheme and encourage them to cycle to school.  We need to beat obesity not encourage it!!     



Kaye Mansbridge
Legal Executive - Personal Injury team