 Small Changes, Big Impact for Earth Day
To mark Earth Day on 22 April, we've encouraged local pupils to pledge to take more active journeys - whether that's going to school or trips in their free time.
They've risen to the challenge and undertaken lots of creative activities to come up with ideas, and they've been sharing their ideas and photos with us.
We'll soon be displaying their Earth Day pledges in libraries across the borough to raise awareness and inspire others to follow their example.
By encouraging students to think about their lifestyle, they've learned about how small changes can improve the environment and their health.
It only takes a few small, everyday changes to make a huge difference in the long run - what changes do you think you could make?
Art competition: how will we get around in the future?
As part of the Earth Day celebrations, we're inviting pupils to create a futuristic mode of transport. Designs should:
- Be sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Show how and why they are good for the environment
- Show why they'd improve air quality around your school
Winners will win two £30 vouchers for Go Ape in each of the categories: Early Years, KS1 and KS2. Runners-up will win a £30 voucher for Go Ape in each of the categories: Early Years, KS1 and KS2.
 Step into summer with Walk to School Week
Walk to School Week is a fantastic opportunity for children and families to enjoy the benefits of travelling to school on foot.
Taking place from Monday 18 to Friday 22 May, pupils are encouraged to leave the car at home, stretch their legs, and start each day feeling energised.
Walking to school helps build healthier habits, reduces traffic and pollution around the school gates, and gives families valuable time together in the fresh air. Whether it’s a short stroll, a park‑and‑stride or walking with friends, every step makes a difference.
Let’s make this week fun, active, and positive - lace up those shoes and join the challenge!
If your school would like to take part in Walk to School Week 2026 and they haven't already signed up, please email us.
 Bike Bonanza celebrates pedal power and more
We recently attended a Holiday, Activities and Food event at Finchampstead Baptist Centre, joining a range of local exhibitors for a lively and well‑attended day.
Our smoothie bike (pictured) proved a huge hit, while Dr Bike worked non‑stop repairing adults’ and children’s bikes to ensure they were safe and road‑ready.
We gave out cycle route maps and chatted with residents about accessing cycling routes in and around Wokingham.
Children thoroughly enjoyed riding our balance bikes around the track and we talked to parents about our Learn to Ride sessions for older children.
Other groups join in the fun
Meanwhile, Sprockets Cycle Club set up an exciting skills track with ramps and obstacles to help children improve their cycling confidence, ability and control.
Sprockets is an ideal next step for riders who have completed learn to ride, helping them build skills in a fun and supportive environment.
We also shared information about our Nordic walking club. This engages the upper body, turning a simple walk into a gentle but effective full‑body workout.
You can meet us at Friday Funday, in partnership with Shinfield Parish Council, at School Green Centre (RG2 9EH) on Friday 29 May, from 10am to 1pm.
 Don't miss our festival at Bike Bonanza!
We'll be holding a cycle festival as part of this year's Wokingham Bikeathon, which starts and finishes at Cantley Park, Wokingham, on Sunday 28 June.
There are lots of activities planned including BMX stunt team displays, Learn to Ride and balance bikes, Dr Bike workshops and more.
That's on top of the Bikeathon itself - a popular, family-friendly, volunteer-run ride offering routes for all ages and ability levels.
You can book a place on the Bikeathon online.
Find out more about our training and education for young riders, including our Balance Bike and Learn to Ride sessions, on our events page.
 Fancy a go at pole-powered walking?
We're offering free Nordic walking sessions, where you walk with specially designed poles to engage your full body.
Sessions take place at three locations:
You need to book online and must be able to walk two miles at 3mph or more. Once you've booked, we'll send you a health form that must be completed.
Poles are provided and you'll need to bring comfortable clothing, including a waterproof layer, and laced walking shoes or boots with good grip.
Comfortable clothing, layers/waterproof, laced walking shoes/boots with a grip. The walking poles will be provided.
We'll be holding another electric vehicle and e-bike event at Elms Field in Wokingham on Saturday 4 July. We'll announce more nearer the time, but there'll be a chance to meet dealers and suppliers.
 Bus company wins passenger seal of approval
One of our local bus firms has been named among the nation's best by customers.
Reading Buses, who run routes with sister venture Thames Valley Buses, won a satisfaction rating of 92 per cent in Transport Focus' Your Bus Journey survey.
This is an increase on last year's 89 per cent and 86 per cent before that, and well above this year's national average of 85 per cent.
Satisfaction with the driver scored 92 per cent, punctuality rose to 89 per cent and satisfaction with wait times rose to 86 per cent.
There was praise for its audio announcements, which particularly help those with visual impairments, and on-board screens showing the next stop.
Bus services continue to recover after the impact of the 2020 pandemic. We urge everyone to use them as it's healthier and better for the environment than driving.
 Upcoming activities and events
- Free Balance Bike Club at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays)
- Free Balance Bike Club at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£12) at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£12) at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays)
- Woky Wheels 4 All (FREE) at FBC in Finchampstead (Thursdays 10am and 11am)
- My Journey and Dr Bike (free bike checks) at Friday Fun Day on 29 May at School Green Centre, Shinfield
For more information on our regular cycle training and activities or to book, visit our website. or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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