Scoil Mhathair na Trocaire, Doon, Co.Limerick launched their Walk to School week last week with a flurry of excitement and creativity that brought a new meaning to the term ‘ best foot forward’. As a means of celebrating the success of their WOWs to date and Launch National Walk to School Week, they decided to hold a ‘wacky’ shoe competition where all 118 students in attendance designed their own ‘wacky’ shoe with findings from the art box. These were then used to create a giant ‘Walk’ Sign in the school yard. 

 Walking wasn’t the only item on the agenda for their action day, with WOWs firmly underway, it was decided that this would be a good opportunity to introduce the idea of cycling to school as a viable travel option. Several key events were held throughout the day with Bike Maintenance/Safety Talks from An Taisce, Tandem Bike Exhibits from a local enthusiast and Slow Cycling and Walking Races after lunch in the school yard. According to Nora Ryan (GS Coordinator) ‘Over 94% (111 pupils) travelled sustainably and 28% (33) actually cycled! This is an amazing figure overall but especially so for cycling when you consider that none of them cycled in September 2010. Walking has been a great success in our school and we hope that cycling will have a similar success’. 

 It must be said that another element of the success of the day lies with the enthusiasm of the principal, Eibhlin Bn De Bhlacuil, who cycles to school every day and is proving an effective role model for her students. This school has applied for cycle parking and really could be one to watch next year. With 33 cyclists on their first attempt, it could very well be a case of ‘Watch This Bikespace!’