A GAME which takes place across the town is set to return this year after originating here in Reading.
Beat The Street is back, encouraging residents to improve their lives through active travel choices, which have been gamified to make taking part more fun.
Participants can compete for points by logging distances travelled either on foot or by cycling, with school-children and adults alike setting their progress against those of their peers.
As well as helping residents stay active, the initiative is aimed at reducing traffic and congestion, consumption of fossil fuels, improve air quality,
Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education at Reading Borough Council Ruth McEwan said: “We are so excited that Beat the Street is returning to Reading, the town where the whole initiative started.
“As the people of the Reading know, Beat the Street is a fun way of encouraging people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get active and to explore the town on foot.
“Beat the Street not only aims to enhance fitness levels but also serves as a catalyst for bolstering community spirit.
“The competition is open to anyone of any age and is free. Sign up and get involved and see how far we can go.”
John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “It is great that young people are being encouraged to cycle, walk and scoot around Reading while having fun.
“The Beat the Street scheme complements the Council’s many initiatives to promote active travel in the borough and reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and benefit the health and wellbeing of residents.”
Children will be provided a card and a map by participating primary schools, while adults can pick up a free card from one of the distribution points.
Alternatively, players over the age of 13 can download the free Beat the Street app to play the game on their phone.
Players can join a school, community, workplace team and there are prizes for the teams that travel the furthest, with vouchers for books and sports equipment on offer.
The game itself features individual leaderboard, lucky ‘spot’ prizes just for taking part, and the opportunity to help selected local charities win cash prizes.
For schools and community teams, there is a total points leaderboard and an average leaderboard, providing opportunities for teams of all sizes to win prizes.
When it first began here in Reading, 5,000 people took part walking 51,000 miles over three weeks.
Now Beat the Street has gone nationwide, with over 1.7 million players across 164 locations in the UK. So far more than 1.7 million people have played Beat the Street, across more than 164 locations across the UK.
Beat the Street Reading South & East is being delivered by Intelligent Health and is funded by Reading Borough Council, Eden Project, Natural England, and the National Lottery via Sport England.
This year’s edition runs from Wednesday, September 25, until Wednesday, November 6.
Full details, including sign-up, are available via: beatthestreet.me/readingse
