HUGE numbers of primary school children in York are getting active, according to the findings of a new report.

Results taken from 15 York schools as part of the Sustrans Bike It project show that, after just two years of undertaking the project, 75 per cent of pupils travelled to school using active modes of transport such as cycling, scooting or walking.

Car usage by parents dropping off their children during the same period fell by almost two per cent.

Erin Gray of Sustrans - a UK charity which aims to make it easier for people to walk and cycle - has been working with school staff, governors, parents and pupils in the city to inspire people to reduce car travel.

She organised a number of activities, including bike rides, maintenance sessions and the annual inter-school "Big Pedal" - which sees schools compete nationally to win prizes for the most journeys cycled or scooted to school.

Children can also take part in activities that link to other areas of the curriculum, such as surveying streets to see how improved design could create a safer environment, and setting up "park and stride" zones around schools to reduce air pollution.

Erin said: "It's been fantastic to work with York schools. York is very congested with traffic, particularly during drop off and pick up times at the school gates.

"By working with parents and teachers as well as children we help to encourage a culture of active travel in the whole school community."

Sustrans has been working with schools in York since 2009 and is funded by City of York Council's iTravel York programme.

Cllr Ian Gillies, executive member for transport and planning at the council, said: "It's great to see that our work is having a real positive effect.

"This can bring several benefits, including helping to make pupils more alert in the classroom and making school areas safer by reducing the amount of traffic in the area."

For more information visit www.sustrans.org.uk or www.itravelyork.info.