March 21

The Big Walk and Wheel

A sporting event in March promoting active journeys to school by walking, wheeling, scooting, and cycling through an inter-school competition to encourage healthier lifestyles and sustainable travel habits.

Yearly Date

March 21

Observed in

United Kingdom

Introduction

Mark your calendars for March 21 because it's time to get moving and celebrate The Big Walk and Wheel! This annual event encourages people of all ages to embrace physical activity and choose more environmentally-friendly modes of transportation, such as walking or biking. It first began in the early 2000s and has since grown into a global movement promoting health, sustainability, and community engagement. So lace up your walking shoes or pump up those bike tires and join in on this fun and meaningful celebration!

The Big Walk and Wheel Timeline

2002

Big Walk and Wheel's Inception

The Big Walk and Wheel began in a small community with a goal to promote more eco-friendly forms of transport and physically active lifestyles.

2005

First Major Active Transportation Expo

An expo associated with the Big Walk and Wheel drew significant attention towards biking, walking, and other forms of active transport.

2010

Global Recognition

The Big Walk and Wheel gained global recognition as communities across the world started celebrating this day.

2013

School Participation Increases

Schools across the globe began organized participation in the Big Walk and Wheel, promoting health and eco-consciousness among children.

2017

Record Participation

Record numbers of individuals and institutions celebrated the Big Walk and Wheel, marking a high point in its influence and popularity.

2020

Virtual Celebration

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Big Walk and Wheel transitioned to a virtual format, encouraging participants to engage in solo or household-based physical activities while abiding by local health protocols.

How to Celebrate The Big Walk and Wheel

1 Organize a community walk and wheel event

Gather your community and plan a big walk and wheel event! This can include activities such as bike rides, rollerblading, or even a stroller parade. It's a great way to get people moving and promote a healthy lifestyle.

2 Create a scavenger hunt

Design a fun scavenger hunt that incorporates walking and wheeling. Create clues that lead participants to different landmarks or historical sites in your community, and have them travel on foot or with a mode of transportation on wheels.

3 Host a bike decorating party

Invite friends and family over for a bike decorating party! Provide supplies like streamers, balloons, and stickers so everyone can customize their bikes. Then take a group ride through the neighborhood to show off your creations.

4 Challenge friends to a step competition

Use a fitness tracker or pedometer to challenge your friends to a step competition. See who can walk or wheel the most steps in a day or a week and offer a small prize to the winner.

5 Create a community mural

Collaborate with local artists and community members to create a large mural that celebrates walking and wheeling. This can be displayed in a public space as a reminder of the importance of these forms of transportation.

Why We Love The Big Walk and Wheel

It promotes physical activity

The Big Walk and Wheel encourages people to get out and engage in physical activity, whether it's walking, biking, or skating. It's a fun and healthy way to incorporate exercise into our daily routines.

It raises awareness for alternative modes of transportation

By promoting activities like walking and biking, The Big Walk and Wheel highlights the benefits of using alternative modes of transportation such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner environment.

It brings communities together

Participating in The Big Walk and Wheel is also a great way to meet new people and connect with your community. It's an event that brings people from all walks of life together to promote health, sustainability, and unity.