Manchester Labour

Children from schools across Manchester will be putting their best foot forward for the annual Green Miles competition which starts on Monday 8 March 2010.

The competition, which is in its sixth year, will see more than 80 primary schools participating in the city’s main annual walk to school event.

Children will be urging their parents to leave their cars at home and walk, cycle or take public transport to school to collect as many green miles as they can over the two week period from 8 – 19 March.  

The Green Miles challenge aims to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits that walking, cycling, scooting or even rollerskating can bring.  And for those children who live too far away to walk, car users can still claim green miles by parking five to ten minutes away from school and walk the remaining distance.

The schools which collect the most green miles will win £1,500 and runners up  will receive £1,000 and £850.  The most improved school will also win £850 and the winning class from each school will also get a training session with Manchester City Football Club as well as the coveted ‘Golden Boot’ trophy.

Northenden Councillor Richard Cowell, said:
“By cutting down on the amount of traffic around schools we can create a safer environment for our children by reducing the risk of road collisions.  

“This competition encourages children and parents to consider the best and safest way to get to school and has really caught children’s imagination over the last few years.

“During the competition last year there was a 22% average rise in the number of children travelling sustainably to school. This really can make a difference to the health of children and the environment.”
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