Children in rural areas welcome spending time and being active outdoors. The problem is the infrastructure

What do you think about the idea of children cycling to school?

I think it’s a great idea. I cycle myself, although here in the Vysočina region it can still be below freezing at six in the morning, so a 15-kilometre ride isn’t exactly pleasant. The problem is the roads. The route from my cottage to Jimramov, where I teach, is fine. But most of the children and my colleagues have to travel along the main road, where there’s a lot of traffic, including lorries. Some children do cycle, though, even in winter. I know of about ten who aren’t put off by anything.

They must be pretty tough…

As far as I know, they cycle a lot at weekends too, with their parents. We’ve talked about organizing a school competition, perhaps taking a train somewhere and going on a cycling trip. They’re really enthusiastic and you can always get them fired up for all kinds of races. I certainly don’t have a problem with them not wanting to be active.

Do you take them on any extracurricular cycling activities?

On May 21, we’re going to Nové Město na Moravě for a sports day held as part of the MTB World Cup. They’ll lend us bikes there, and the children will get to try skills courses and trails, learn about mandatory equipment and get familiar with different types of bikes. We’re also planning some cycling activities on the school playground for Children’s Day. But I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking them myself along that busy road.

Jimramov Primary School also takes students out on the water

So what you’re missing most is safe infrastructure…

Unfortunately, there are no cycle paths here. Jimramov lies in a very deep valley along the Svratka River, with hills in every direction. But the children are otherwise very active—they run, train for competitions and take part in all kinds of sports.

So the idea that today’s children are soft and glued to their phones doesn’t apply to your pupils?

Definitely not. Sometimes they don’t feel like doing something they haven’t tried before, but once they give it a go, they get really enthusiastic. We go kayaking, we’ve been rock climbing—there are plenty of rocks here in the Vysočina region…

Why do you think physical activity is so important for children?

It makes me happy that they’re always disappointed when PE is cancelled. We try to give them opportunities to be active during breaks as well. They have juggling balls here, they can play table tennis, and there’s football during the long break. When I see them falling asleep during a geography lesson, I’ll work some physical activity into it, and they immediately perk up. But the same applies to adults too.

Children Feel at Home Outdoors

What do you think is the best thing about cycling?

It’s definitely easier than running and faster than walking. And it doesn’t cost anything. But I also understand people who switch from a car to an e-bike when, say, they have a 30-kilometre commute to work. They arrive at work feeling good and don’t have to rush off to exercise in the afternoon. And if you’re riding through beautiful countryside, it’s even better.

As part of the May Challenge, you can also combine cycling with public transport…

It’s definitely important to encourage people to consider other ways of getting around. I think we could put together one team, and everyone else will be jealous anyway… All the children here are very competitive. And I have to thank my colleagues, who are excellent organizers and can make all sorts of things happen.

What would you say to someone who would like to cycle more but isn’t quite sure about it?

The hardest part is getting the bike out and getting on it. After that, it’s great. It’s like swimming—the hardest part is jumping into the pool, and then you just swim. So I’d recommend not hesitating and giving it a try. Every day after that will be easier.

My friends always tell me I have it easy because I enjoy being active. But I don’t feel like getting up every time either. You feel the greatest satisfaction when you push yourself to do something. And my pupils are a great source of motivation for me.

This interview was made possible through a partnership between the May Challenge and the Czech Olympic Committee. Jimramov Primary School participates in the Olympic All-Rounder, a Czech Olympic Committee project that encourages children in schools to be physically active and provides PE teachers with educational resources.
 

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