The hard work of a young eco-warrior means he and his friends can cycle to their primary school in style. It may be more of a regular feature at the seaside or a holiday park, but this colourful, pedal powered, environmentally friendly quadracycle is now a common sight on the quiet country lanes around Erpingham Primary SchoolThe pedal taxi, which was unveiled at a grand launch yesterday, is the latest addition to the school's walk to school initiative, aimed at getting all the kids healthy and reducing traffic on the narrow country roads.
The hard work of a young eco-warrior means he and his friends can cycle to their primary school in style.
It may be more of a regular feature at the seaside or a holiday park, but this colourful, pedal powered, environmentally friendly quadracycle is now a common sight on the quiet country lanes around Erpingham Primary School
The pedal taxi, which was unveiled at a grand launch yesterday, is the latest addition to the school's walk to school initiative, aimed at getting all the kids healthy and reducing traffic on the narrow country roads.
The idea for bike came from Year 5 pupil Jake Morris, who also raised the £1,500 needed to buy it almost single handed.
After doing research on the internet he contacted local businesses, councillors, and the county council's transport department in a bid to raise the money.
Wheeler dealer Jake said: “We do the walk the school every week and it was an idea that started from that.
“The bike should have been £2,200 but we got a really big bargain. We got it for £1,448 with free delivery.
“It is great fun and we have all had a ride on it. Everyone wanted second and third goes.”
Capable of carrying one parent and three children at a time, the bike has had to have the pedals specially built up so the children's short legs can reach.
The children now have a rota and take it in turns to travel to school on the bike while the others walk behind
Jake, who is a keen environmentalist, says his ambition is to design a hydrogen powered car that runs off seawater.
Head teacher Deborah Leahy said everyone at the school was immensely proud of Jake and thatt the money he raised also enabled the purchase of helmets and florescent tabards for the riders.
She said: “To think the something that we did in school, like the walk the school initiative, can motivate a child to extend a school project in his own time is fantastic.”
County councillor Peter Moore said: “We get a lot of people criticising young people but here is a young lad who has done something for his whole school. It restores your faith in young people.”
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