Category: North Edinburgh News

Care home deaths data published

The Crown Office yesterday published data on the Covid deaths in care homes that have been reported to it. The prosecution service was considering at least 3,400 deaths linked to Covid-19 as of 8 April.

The data, which was released to BBC Scotland under a Freedom of Information request, is part of a wider investigation to determine whether the deaths should be subject to the fatal accident inquiry (FAI) mechanism or prosecution.

The figures reveal some individual care homes accounted for a significant number of deaths.

HC-One’s Orchard Care Centre in Clackmannanshire accounted for 19 per cent of that council’s total fatalities (110).

Deaths were higher on average in homes where the provider owns one facility as opposed to a chain. For example, 25 deaths were reported in the one home operated by BUPA Care Homes, while 195 deaths were reported across Advinia’s 11 homes, averaging to roughly 17 per residence.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said the Crown Office data was “consistent with the findings” of a Public Health Scotland report which “did not find statistical evidence that hospital discharges of any kind were associated with care home outbreaks”.

She added: “We mourn every death from Covid and express our sympathy for all those who have lost loved ones, and for the distress and grief experienced by individuals and their families.

“As the first minister and health secretary have previously said the Scottish government will continue to learn lessons from the Covid-pandemic and, subject to the outcome of the election, intends to have a full public inquiry which considers all aspects of how the pandemic has been handled, including the impact on care homes and their residents.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has said the Scottish government “didn’t respond quickly enough to what was needed in our care homes”. Ms Freeman is standing down at next month’s Holyrood elections.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office said: “CDIT [Covid-19 Deaths Investigation Team] is working together with other agencies including the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities and the Care Inspectorate to ensure that appropriate investigations are undertaken in relation to these deaths.

“These arrangements will ensure that the circumstances of each death can be fully considered by this dedicated team, and appropriate decisions made about any further investigation required, whether criminal or non-criminal.”

In a statement, Scottish Care said: “We note the publication by the BBC of data supplied by the Crown Office detailing the deaths of hundreds of people in Scotland’s care homes during the pandemic.

“This data demonstrates the terrible toll which has been felt by those who live, visit loved ones, and work in care homes as a result of Coronavirus. However, whilst the numbers tell us one story there are many things which they do not communicate.

“The numbers do not describe the unique lives of special individuals who have been lost to the pandemic. Lives which have been cut short before their time by a deadly virus. Behind each number is an individual who is loved and greatly missed by family and friends. Their loss is felt too by care home staff who have cared for and supported them for many months and years.

“The numbers do not describe the sad reality that those living in group and congregated settings such as care homes have been disproportionately affected across the world. They do not describe the reality that those who have suffered the most and who have died across the world are those who are very old and frail, and those living with multiple co-morbidities.

“The numbers do not describe at what point in the pandemic lives were lost in individual care homes. The number may describe deaths in multiple outbreaks across a long period of time or they may equally be a description of an intense and overwhelming single incident.

“The numbers do not detail at what point of time the deaths occurred in the last year. They do not describe whether they happened after testing had been introduced for frontline care staff after we learned the lessons of asymptomatic spread and the risk this posed to residents.

“The numbers do not describe whether individuals had been transferred from hospital or community, potentially carrying the virus into the care home.

“The numbers do not describe whether or not the deaths occurred at a time when we know less than we do now about the use of PPE and other infection control measures which are now protecting so many.

“The numbers do not describe whether these deaths happened during this particularly hard second wave with a much more virulent strain of the virus which has had such a devastating impact.

“The numbers of deaths tell part of the story but what they certainly do not tell of is the amazing professionalism, sacrifice and dedication of frontline nursing and care staff who daily put themselves at risk and on the line to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens facing the threat of this deadly global virus.

“As we consider the numbers, we remember all the lives lost and the dedication of those who worked to save life. As we consider the numbers, we would ask everyone to reach out to support the care homes, staff, residents and families affected and to do so with compassion and solidarity.”

Responding to yesterday’s Crown Office publication of data surrounding COVID-19 and care home deaths in Scotland, GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said: “Before the first lockdown, care home staff were ringing the alarm about the vulnerability of services users and themselves.

“Those concerns were dismissed and even derided by the Scottish Government and care industry representatives.

“The reality is that while Ministers were clapping for carers, staff were having to fight for the proper PPE and workplace testing, the basic tools needed to try and protect their health and safety and their service users too.

“There is no credibility in hiding behind poorly executed reports or investigations that focus on ordinary workers who had no say whatsoever in the decisions that led to one-third of all COVID related deaths to date occurring care homes.

“We need a public inquiry where the inaction of all responsible will be laid bare.”

Scotland’s night time economy ‘on brink of collapse’

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is warning of an impending unemployment tsunami, with up to 24,000 jobs thought to be at risk within weeks, as a majority of struggling night-time economy businesses have now run out of cash to pay furlough contributions and fixed costs. 

The Scottish Government released the latest Strategic Framework update on Friday, which confirmed businesses will be subject to the commercially unviable levels system of restrictions for many months longer despite all financial support being withdrawn by the end of April.

Worse still, there is no commitment or target date for the return to commercially viable trading for businesses in the sector, which is only possible when social distancing and all other legal restrictions end.

A survey this month of NTIA members confirmed the perilous state the sector is now in, with average Covid related debt reaching a wholly unsustainable £150,000 or more per premises, and businesses facing an imminent cash flow crunch.

The survey also confirmed that less than a quarter of premises have licensed outdoor areas, the vast majority are many months behind on rent or mortgage payments, fewer than a third have been able to trade viably at any point in the last year, and almost all cannot reopen or trade viably while social distancing remains.

These businesses have now exhausted financial resources. Cash reserves have been depleted, more borrowing is now impossible with no guaranteed opening dates and businesses are rapidly running out of cash to pay their fixed costs and furlough contributions.

Business insolvencies and mass job losses are now inevitable within weeks unless the Scottish Government acts urgently. The NTIA wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this month highlighting the issues and requesting immediate crisis talks.

It is beyond disappointing that as yet we have had no response whatsoever.

NTIA Spokesman Gavin Stevenson said: “Our members have done the right thing, closed their previously successful businesses for the sake of public health, and gone deep into debt paying the enormous fixed costs and furlough contributions to keep staff employed for over a year now.  

“We were the first to close and will be last to open.  No sector has suffered more.  But Government have consistently taken our sector for granted and refused to engage meaningfully with our representatives.

“Many of our members have been closed for over a year now, and virtually all have suffered crippling financial losses.  In short, the money going out every month has been far greater than the money coming in, and government support has typically covered less than a quarter of this deficit.

“To add insult to injury government support has now ended while there is no end date to forced closure and other restrictions.  Scottish Government now only has two options, provide substantial and immediate additional support for as long as it is mandated that our businesses stay closed and/or operate under the restrictions that make them unviable, or provide a clear route map with target dates for the end of all legal restrictions on capacity, activity, and opening hours.  

“If neither of those options are forthcoming then our First Minister is, in effect, asking thousands of small Scottish business owners to bankrupt themselves.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement this afternoon. She is expected to confirm the latest easing of restrictions will take place next Monday (26 April) and will include the reopening of hospitality, gyms and non-essential shops.

Car insurance prices tumble – but it pays to shop around

  • Scottish drivers are experiencing some of the biggest price drops since 2014, when the cost of insurance fell by 17% in the Scottish Borders
  • Drivers in Central Scotland are seeing biggest monetary savings year-on-year, as prices drop by £80 (15%), taking the average premium to £456.
  • The overall cost of insurance in Scotland has fallen by £72 (15%) year-on-year – with the average premium standing at £416.
  • Motorists in the UK can now expect to pay £538 for their car insurance, on average, after an £87 (14%) fall in prices year-on-year.
  • Shopping around proven to save drivers money, as further research of UK drivers finds almost half (45%) of those who received their renewal in the past quarter (Q1 2021) saw their price increase by £45, on average (1).

Drivers in Scotland are seeing some of the biggest drops in car insurance costs in almost seven years, new data reveals.

The average cost of car insurance in the Scottish Highlands and Islands dropped by £72 (16%), the highest percentage decrease in 12 months, meaning drivers in the region can now expect to pay £374, on average.

The last time car insurance prices in Scotland fell by this much was in 2014, when drivers in the Scottish Borders saw car insurance premiums drop by 17%, on average.

That’s according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com (Q1 2021), powered by Willis Towers Watson. Based on more than six million quotes per quarter, it’s the most comprehensive new business price index in the UK.

According to the data, motorists in all Scottish regions have seen a drop in their car insurance costs when shopping around.

In particular, Central Scotland saw big year-on-year price drops, as the average premium fell by £80 (15%), to £456.

Meanwhile, those in the East and North-East of Scotland have seen a saving of £60 (13%), making the average premium stand at £387. And drivers in the Scottish Borders can save up to £62 (15%), as the average cost for car insurance has dropped to £352.

Overall, the average cost of car insurance in Scotland dropped by £72 (15%) in 12 months, following a turbulent year which has sparked significant changes in driving habits. This means the average cost of car insurance in Scotland as a whole is now £416 on average.

Throughout this past year, prices have been steadily declining, as drivers spend less time on the road. As a result, prices in Scotland have decreased by £23 (6%) in the last three months alone (Q4 2020- Q1 2021), as insurers adapt their pricing to reflect the current level of risk on the roads.

Looking at the rest of the UK, similar savings are being seen, as motorists can now expect to pay £538 for their car insurance, after a price drop of £87 (14%) in the last 12 months, on average.

However, Louise O’Shea, CEO at Confused.com, explains that not all drivers will see these savings. While those shopping around and buying a new car insurance policy will have saved as much as £87, further research of UK drivers found that almost half (45%) of drivers who received their renewal in the past three months saw their price increase by £45, on average. This suggests they could be paying more by opting to renew with their current insurer.

In fact, of the drivers who saw their renewal price increase this past quarter, almost half chose to stay with their current insurer, despite their price being more expensive.

Of those who did stay with their insurer, one in 10 (11%) claim their insurer automatically renewed the policy on their behalf. And it’s this practice which makes it difficult for motorists to opt out of their policy and find a better deal.

This is something that is being investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is looking into changes that will make it easier for customers to cancel their policy and benefit from the price savings being reported for new policies.

The FCA’s proposal won’t just make it easier to cancel auto-renewals, it is also set to prohibit insurers from calculating a price based on whether someone is a new customer or a renewing their policy.

However, this does not mean that renewal prices will stay the same or decrease, as they could still increase year-on-year. The FCA has been clear that shopping around will still give customers opportunities to save.

While all drivers in Scotland have been able to benefit from savings on their car insurance policy, some regions have seen greater savings than others.

In Central Scotland, it’s drivers in Glasgow that have experienced the greatest price cuts, with the average premium standing at £502 after an annual drop of £93 (16%). However, motorists in Kilmarnock are making the greatest quarterly savings, as prices drop by £29 (7%). Drivers in this region are also paying out the least for their insurance, as the average premium costs £396.

Motorists in Dumfries in the Scottish Borders are also seeing great savings, as the average premium has fallen to £351 after a price drop of £67 (16%) compared to 12 months ago. Prices have also gone down by £26 (7%) in the last three months, as drivers in the area benefit from the cheapest insurance prices in the region.

Meanwhile, drivers in Kirkcaldy in the East and North East can expect to save £65 (15%) year-on-year. They are also seeing the biggest quarterly savings, after prices have fallen by £28 (7%), taking the average premium to £377 – the lowest premium in the region.

In the Highlands and Islands, drivers in Paisley have seen the biggest annual savings, as prices fall by £86 (17%). Yet, it’s motorists in Shetland that have experienced the greatest quarterly savings, as the cost of insurance drops by £44 (11%), taking the average premium to £358. However, Kirkwall motorists are paying out the least for their insurance, with the average premium standing at £317.

The price drops are good news for both genders also. Females in the Scottish Borders are paying the least for their insurance, following a £59 (15%) drop in prices year-on year and a reduction of £19 (5%) in the last quarter – taking the average premium to £334.

Males in the Scottish Borders are also paying the least for their insurance, as prices dropped by £63 (15%) in the last 12 months and by £25 (6%) in the last three months, with the average premium ringing in at £363.

Meanwhile, both male and female motorists are making the greatest savings in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Year-on-year, females have saved £67 (16%), and males have seen savings of £74 (16%), on average. The biggest quarterly savings can be found in this region also, as females can see price drops of £27 (7%), while males can see price cuts of £29 (7%), with average premiums standing at £348 and £390, respectively.

And, in a similar trend to the last quarter, all age groups across all Scottish regions are making savings on their car insurance both year-on-year and quarterly.

However, while it was younger drivers that were able to see big savings three months ago, now it’s older drivers who are faring the best.

Those aged over 71 can expect to make big savings, as males in the Highlands and Islands are seeing cuts of £77 (19%) year-on year, taking the average premium to £322, while females in the region can save £67 (18%), with average insurance premiums standing at £293.

In Central Scotland, females over the age of 71 are set to save £68 (17%) since 12 months ago, while males in the area can make savings of £74 (17%). Prices for this age group have also fallen in the East and North East, with males saving £65 (16%) and females saving £44 (13%), on average. Drivers aged over 71 who live in the Scottish Borders are seeing reductions of 17%, with females saving £60 and males £66 year-on-year.

But the youngest category of drivers is also benefitting from price cuts, as those aged 17-20 saved 11% in the Highlands and Islands, with prices dropping by £142 for males and £109 for females in the last 12 months.

In Central Scotland, females aged 17-20 can look to save £108 (9%), with males set to save £99 (7%). Equally, in the East and North East of Scotland, females in this age range can save up to £95 (10%), while male drivers are making savings of £142 (10%) in the last 12 months.

However, while the price of car insurance is decreasing, some motoring costs are in fact starting to creep up as the UK eases out of lockdown. In fact, Confused.com’s fuel price index suggests that petrol and diesel prices have been on the up since the end of last year.

According to the data, drivers can now expect to pay 124p for petrol, on average. This is 11p more than December 2020. Meanwhile, diesel prices have increased from 118p to 127p in the same period. With these costs increasing, drivers will no doubt be looking to make savings where they can, starting with their car insurance.

Louise O’Shea CEO at Confused.com, says: “It’s been just over a year since we went into lockdown for the first time and this triggered a lot of changes in how we’re using our cars. And this is a change that could be here to stay for the foreseeable future, so it only seems right that our car insurance costs are cheaper to reflect this.

“What we are seeing is the biggest drop in prices in Scotland in almost seven years. But it’s important to remember that these lower prices are only benefiting those who shop around. It’s clear from our research that automatically renewing could in fact cost you more money.

“Loyalty clearly doesn’t pay! But if the increase is small, or you are fortunate to see your renewal price drop, please don’t settle for this as there will be an insurer out there willing to offer a better price. At Confused.com we’re so certain of this that we’re offering to beat your renewal quote or give you the difference, plus £20”

Making a safe return to school

A campaign has launched across city schools encouraging parents, carers and families to take extra care at the school gates when they return this week.

Ahead of all pupils resuming in-school learning from today (Tuesday 20 April), we’re sharing advice on steps to take to help limit the potential spread of COVID and make sure schools and childcare settings can remain open.

Posters, leaflets and social media posts are encouraging people to wear face coverings, stay two metres apart and to stick to one adult when dropping off and picking up children, as well as discouraging car sharing and urging neighbouring households to make sure hedges are cut back to give extra space.

Every school in Edinburgh has been assessed for improvements to help families physically distance too. Measures have been put in place at every Council and independent school where extra space is needed to help people walk, cycle and wheel safely.

Amongst the changes are road closures, prohibition of motor vehicles, widened footpaths or better signage, as well as the removal of guardrails and new access gates to aid one-way systems.

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “I’m sure children and young people across the city will be looking forward to the return to school and a sense of normality, and the chance to interact with their classmates.

“While this is a positive step in the lifting of lockdown restrictions, we must continue to observe guidance and take care when mixing with other people. Over the last year we’ve been working hard to introduce measures outside of every school to help children and carers walk, cycle and wheel safely and easily while physically distancing.

“We’re also encouraging everyone to follow advice to limit the spread of the virus, helping to make sure children can continue enjoying being back in the classroom.

In February we also introduced a temporary ‘Quiet Connection’ between Greenbank and the Meadows, providing a safer route for children travelling to nearby schools South Morningside Primary School, St Peter’s RC Primary School, James Gillespie’s Primary and High Schools, Bruntsfield Primary School, Boroughmuir High School and Edinburgh Steiner School.

Jessica Cameron, whose children go to James Gillespie’s Primary School, said: “My family really appreciate the new quiet route to the Meadows, which covers a significant portion of our trip to school.

“With traffic reduced on Whitehouse Loan, we have more options for getting to school safely. My kids love cycling and riding scooters, and they’re building their skills and confidence while not having to worry about avoiding cars. With more space, it’s easy for us to socially distance if we run into their friends on the way to school.”

All primary school pupils returned full-time from 15 March, with secondary school pupils resuming in-school learning on a part-time blended basis.

Earlier this month the Scottish Government confirmed all primary and secondary pupils would return to the classroom full-time as part of its easing of lockdown from 12 April (Edinburgh’s Easter holidays run until 20 April), with restrictions in place.

Find out more about the measures to help safe travel and physical distancing outside schools on the Council website.

Firefighters tackle blaze at Debenhams on Princes Street

More than 30 firefighters are working to extinguish a large fire at the Debenhams building on Princes Street.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 1.23pm this afternoon to reports of a fire on the ground floor of the building.

Operations Control immediately mobilised four fire engines and an aerial appliance to the scene.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the building where the fire was found to be within the ground and lower ground floor and a further four appliances were mobilised.

No casualties have been reported. Crews remain on the scene and are expected to do so for some time as they work to make the area safe and extinguish the fire.

Daisy takes the lead on Mobility and Placemaking at city council

Planning and transport expert, Daisy Narayanan, has been appointed to a new role bringing together placemaking and transport strategy at the City of Edinburgh Council.

Daisy is currently Director of Urbanism for Sustrans and will bring with her a wealth of experience in policy and public realm design, gained through work as an architect and urban designer in India, Singapore, England and Scotland.

She is also a member of the Edinburgh Climate Commission and Scotland’s Climate Assembly’s Evidence Group, so will contribute expertise in this area to support the Council’s zero carbon goals.

In 2018 and 2019, Daisy was seconded to the Council to lead on the successful development of Edinburgh City Centre Transformation, a pioneering ten-year plan to create a vibrant, truly people-friendly city centre.

During this time, she also championed the introduction of Open Streets in Edinburgh, a monthly car-free event in the Old Town, when families and individuals could enjoy the sights and attractions of the city.

As Mobility and Placemaking Senior Manager at the Council, Daisy will focus on several ambitious strategies for the sustainable development of the city as we work towards carbon neutrality by 2030.

These include the City Mobility Plan, which was approved by Transport and Environment Committee in January, and the 20-minute neighbourhood programme.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: We are delighted to welcome Daisy back to work with us in this role, which is crucial to the sustainable and inclusive development of the Capital, as well as our net zero carbon goals.

“As we work toward a green recovery from the pandemic, we will be focusing our efforts on delivering transport and placemaking projects that truly place people at the heart of the city, and we know that Daisy will bring exactly the kind of experience and passion we need to drive this forward.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “We stand on the cusp of an extremely exciting time for the future development of the city, so it’s fantastic to have Daisy on board to help deliver some of the bold planning and mobility projects we have in the pipeline.

“We know from our own work with Daisy, and her standing across the placemaking and transport profession, what a fantastic addition to the team she will be, and I look forward to working with her.”

Daisy Narayanan said: “I am delighted to be joining the City of Edinburgh Council, as the city recovers from the pandemic, and as it gets ready to tackle the climate emergency.

“This is a really wonderful role which brings together various strands of what make great places. I’m passionate about working with people to shape how their streets and places should look, and to learn from and build on the work done to date in Edinburgh.

“I am under no illusions that this will be an easy job, but I am excited by the challenge.

“When I came here in 2004 as a student, I never dreamed that I would one day have the privilege to work with people in making this beautiful city even more wonderful.

“I am determined to ensure that everyone living here gets to benefit from the city’s development as a greener, healthier place – and that these benefits extend to the outer edges of the city.”

John Lauder, Deputy CEO, Sustrans, and National Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “Although Daisy will be missed at Sustrans, we are delighted to hear about the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to appoint her to this role.

“It demonstrates the Council’s commitment to making Edinburgh a world-leading liveable city that allows everyone here to live and to travel in greener, healthier ways.

“Daisy has played a huge role in shaping Sustrans, thinking on liveable cities and towns for everyone, and on highlighting the importance of inclusive design and placemaking as a central tenet of urban design.

“We wish her well in her new role.”

Youth charged over bus incidents

A youth has been traced in connection with a series of incidents where buses were targeted in Edinburgh

The 17-year-old male was arrested over the weekend after he was identified during enquiries into the incidents which happened on Friday, 9 April at Marchmont Crescent, Princes Street and Pennywell Road.

He was charged with four incidents of culpable and reckless conduct together with other instances of anti-social behaviour and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Towergate launches search for local teens with community-changing ideas for £20,000 prize

Teens from across Scotland with bright ideas for their communities are being encouraged to apply  for a new £20,000 Bright Future Prize – to help them change the world around them for the better.  

The Bright Future Prize is an initiative from Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT), the charity arm of the parent company that  owns local insurance firm Towergate.  

Stephen Boyd, Regional Managing Director, explained: “Having joined the ACT board in 2021 as a  representative, I’m delighted to showcase this new venture supporting young people and their  aspirations for the good of the community. 

“The charity is looking for 15-19-year olds who are the next generation of community leaders,  charity fundraisers, blue-sky thinkers or social activists. The Bright Future Prize is open to young  people across the UK and Ireland who are passionate about, and actively working to make a  difference in a community of their choice.  

“Young people see the world differently, and their innovative ideas can help impact positive change  for the future. It’s this ingenuity that ACT wants to support, opening up opportunities for young  people who are already making positive waves in their communities. 

“You could have a great idea for your own social enterprise supporting a charitable cause, you might  have a community project in mind, maybe you want to raise money for a specific charity – or maybe  you want to learn more and teach more about making a difference”. 

Applications for the Bright Future Prize are now open until 21 May. There are small grants alongside the £20,000 main prize available for the best ideas, and winners will get support to put them into  motion.  

Find out more and make your application at:

https://www.ardonaghtrust.org/bright-future-prize

Missing man FOUND

Appeal to trace missing man Robbie Russell

UPDATE: MISSING MAN FOUND

Police Scotland has reported that Robbie Russell (25) who had been missing from Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, since Sat, 17 April, has been traced safe and well in Edinburgh this afternoon.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for the help of the public to trace a 25-year-old man reported missing from the Wester Hailes area of the city.

Robbie Russell was last seen around 7am on Saturday (17 April) in the Longstone area. He also has connections in the Sighthill and Dumbryden areas of the city as well as Livingston.

He is described as 5ft 11ins, of slim build with dark brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen he was wearing a black hoodie, black joggers and black and white trainers.

Inspector Keith Forrester said: “We are growing increasing concerned for Robbie and ask anyone who may know where he is to get in touch. Likewise if he sees this appeal, please call your family or Police Scotland to let us know you are safe.

“Anyone who has information that may help us find Robbie is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0571 of Monday 19 April, 2021.”

Sustrans Big Pedal starts today

Sustrans Big Pedal is back! The UK’s biggest cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting challenge takes place between 19 and 30 April.

Keeping children active is more important than ever and because we don’t know exactly what the rest of 2021 will bring in terms of Coronavirus restrictions, pupils are able to to compete regardless of if they are learning at school or at home.

Big Pedal is back for 2021. Our long-running competition to get more people travelling actively to school has been changed so that children learning at home can take part.

Families are being invited to take part in the Big Pedal 2021.

It’s the UK’s largest cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting competition for primary and secondary schools.

The competition has now been running for 11 years.

And this year it’s fronted by Dame Sarah Storey, British Paralympian and 38-time world champion in cycling and swimming.

Big Pedal 2021 will run from 19 to 30 April 2021.

It will see young people across the UK compete with one another to make the most journeys by cycling, walking, scooting or using a wheelchair.

The theme of this year’s competition is ‘Amazing Journeys’.

And we’re encouraging pupils to see their local areas from a different perspective and learn about the benefits of active travel.

The coronavirus pandemic and national and local lockdowns have meant that many of us are spending more time at home.

So we’ve adapted Sustrans Big Pedal 2021 to become more flexible to the world around us at the moment.

Children will be able to take part in the competition and supporting activities whether they are travelling to school or learning at home.

The importance of staying active during lockdown 

Regular physical activity is vital to promote good physical and mental health.

And guidance from the UK’s Chief Medical Officers recommending children partake in 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

New data from Sport England suggests there has been a decline in the physical activity levels of children due to the pandemic.

Almost a third of children in England are engaging in less than 30 minutes of daily physical activity in the 2019 – 2020 academic year.

But our Big Pedal challenge is an easy way for families to stay active whether schools are open or not.

  Keeping active to help protect the NHS

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for the Sheffield City Region said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Big Pedal in 2021, and delighted it will be pandemic-proof this year too!

“Health has been in the spotlight over the past year, like never before, and getting out for a cycle ride has been one of the few activities that have been unaffected by the various restrictions.

“Staying active is one of the ways we can all play our part in protecting the NHS throughout our lives.

“Active people are less likely to fall into ill-health and suffer from the many diseases caused by not getting enough exercise.

“I really hope to see as many people as possible involved this year.

“It will be a fantastic way to start the Spring and to give ourselves a challenge in what has already been a challenging start to the year.”

Sustrans CEO, Xavier Brice said: “We’re excited that the Big Pedal is returning for 2021, after what has been a truly difficult year for all.

“And the need to make time to incorporate physical activity into our daily routines seems important now more than ever.

“We don’t know exactly what the rest of 2021 will bring in terms of coronavirus restrictions.

“But we’re delighted pupils will be able to take part, regardless of where they are learning.

“Active travel has proven its worth over the past year, with more people looking for socially distanced ways to move around and remain active in lockdown.

“As we look towards life after Covid-19 and schools returning as normal, we hope to see local authorities use the next stage of funding announced in November for cycling and walking.

“We need to continue to make it easier for families to travel actively to school.

“More people travelling actively for essential everyday journeys such as the school run means fewer cars on the road.

“And this helps to ease congestion and reduce air pollution around school gates”.

Join in the Big Pedal fun

Another fun and easy way to get involved in this year’s Big Pedal is to enter our family competition.

Share pictures or short videos of you and your children getting active between 19-30 April using #BigPedalWin on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Make sure you’re following @Sustrans on your favourite social media platform for the latest news about this competition.

Whether you’re doing the usual school run or just need some inspiration for keeping the family active in lockdown, we’ve got you covered.

Download our free family guide and start scooting, walking and cycling to school like a pro!