THE school run in Salisbury is set for a shake-up next month as the city gears up for Big Walk and Wheel 2026.

From  March 16 to 27, families are being challenged to swap car journeys for walking, wheeling, scooting or cycling as part of the UK’s largest inter-school active travel competition.

Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS) and Active Travel Salisbury are calling on schools to take part and compete to see who can record the highest proportion of pupils travelling actively to school each day.

The aim is simple – get more children moving, build healthy habits and cut congestion and air pollution around school gates.

Organisers say even small changes can make a big difference.

As well as bragging rights, participating schools will be in with a chance of winning prizes.

They will also gain access to a range of free resources, including curriculum-linked lesson plans and ideas to help get every pupil involved, whatever their age or ability.

COGS, which has been campaigning for safer cycling infrastructure in Salisbury since 1994, says the challenge is a fun and practical way to show how active travel can transform daily routines.

The group works with Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council to promote safer walking and cycling routes across the city.

Schools can find out more and register for the challenge at www.bigwalkandwheel.org.uk

With just two weeks of effort, Salisbury’s pupils could help create safer streets, cleaner air and a healthier start to the school day.