Wiltshire pupils will jump on their bikes and scooters on Monday for the two-week Big Pedal, a national competition organised by charity Sustrans which aims to get more children active.

Hundreds of thousands of youngsters are expected to take part in the Big Pedal 2014, an inter-school competition where schools get points for the more pupils who make journeys by bike or scooter.

First launched in 2009, the Big Pedal has gained popularity over the past five years and has become the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting competition.

Research shows that nearly half of all children want to be able to get to school by bike but only four per cent actually do. The Big Pedal engages children in cycling and scooting to school in a fun way with the aim that they will continue cycling and scooting after the competition has finished.

Jo Collett, Bike It Plus officer for Wiltshire, said: “I work with a number of primary schools in Wiltshire all year round to encourage a long term culture of active travel to and from school. "The Big Pedal is an exciting national event to inspire pupils to get on their bikes and scooters while competing nationally with other schools.”

Malcolm Shepherd, Sustrans chief executive, said: “The average primary school journey is just 1.5 miles – the perfect distance to walk or cycle.

“We hope the Big Pedal will help thousands of families rediscover the fun and freedom of cycling to school, get fit and save money at the same time.”

Among the Wiltshire schools taking part in the scheme are Aloeric Primary School, Melksham, The Mead, Hilperton and Walwayne Court from Trowbridge, Holt Primary, Ivy Lane and Queens Crescent from Chippenham, Nursteed and Southbroom of Devizes and St Mary's Broughton Gifford.

Any school can join in between Monday and Friday, March 14, and to find out more about the Big Pedal go to www.bigpedal.org.uk