12,000 miles logged around Forth Valley as 2000 people leave their cars at home

Beat the Street Forth and Clyde invited people to leave their cars at home - and explore green spaces on foot, bike or scooter.

The aim was to ease congestion and improve air pollution - and get people’s immune systems ready in case they face another wave of the pandemic.

The initiative engaged more than 2000 people who together walked, cycled, scooted, wheeled and ran more than 15,270 miles around the area.

Over four weeks, Beat the Street transformed the three towns into a giant walking, running and cycling game where residents formed teams and walked, cycled, wheeled, scooted and ran around their community tapping special Beat Boxes on lampposts in order to score points.

Medal for good Samaritan Margaret in Queen's honours

A total of 2,185took part in the physical activity competition with schools, community teams and workplaces competing to see who could travel the furthest.

On the schools leader board, Head of Muir Primary topped both the total and average points leader board. They won £300 in vouchers for books or sport equipment.

They tweeted: “A totally amazing effort from our school community. Well done everyone!”

St. Joseph’s Primary School in Bonnybridge finished second on both leader boards and won £200 in vouchers which they intend to spend on books.

Denise Anthony, principal teacher, said: “Beat the Street has been a fantastic initiative. The enthusiasm and participation from our families has been excellent - and even the rain didn’t stop them!

“Countless photos showing happy families out on bikes, scooters and on foot with our lovely local countryside and landmarks in the background were posted on social media every day.”

Beat the Street was being delivered by Intelligent Health on behalf of the Central Canals Development Project.

The Green Action Trust, one of Scotland’s leading environmental regeneration charities, is coordinating the Central Canals Development Project.

Andy Macpherson, the trust’s development officer for the project added: “It has been fantastic to see so many people outside, being active and enjoying themselves in our beautiful area.”

Beat the Street will continue to encourage participants to stay active and to highlight exciting local initiatives and opportunities to keep people moving.

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