BARNSLEY has launched a campaign to get people to be more active by tracking participants’ movements through sensors on lampposts across the borough.
Beat the Street, the nation-wide campaign founded by Dr William Bird, is a free, fun challenge with points and prize awards for exploring the town on foot, scooter or bicycle.
More than 250 special sensors called ‘Beat Boxes’ have been placed across Barnsley - mainly outside primary schools, so players can earn points as they travel by tapping their card or green fobs.
Mayor of Barnsley, Coun Pauline Markham led an inaugural walk around Barnsley town centre to mark the beginning of the campaign.
“I am incredibly excited to have Beat the Street in Barnsley. It’s a fantastic initiative to get the community moving and I can’t wait to see how far people are walking, running, cycling and using their scooter.
“I want as many people as possible to get involved and it’s free to join in. It will also be a great way to spend time with friends and family.
“Its a great opportunity to get active and spend time outdoors and it will benefit the community in the long run.”
Dr Bird, a GP of 26 years’ experience, said: “Over the next six weeks while Beat The Street is in Barnsley, we expect more than 33,000 people to get involved.
“We have primary schools, community teams and groups involved and it will act as a catalyst to get energy in the community.
“I am excited to be in Barnsley for the launch and we hope to see behavioural changes after this and encourage more of the population to get active.”
Anyone living, working or going to a school in Barnsley is eligible to take part in Beat the Street.
Coun Jim Andrews, spokesman for public health, said: “Beat the Street is a fantastic initiative to get children, families and our communities active.”
Beat the Street will be running until July 17. To sign up click here.
