I first encountered Sustrans when I was working for Stop Climate Chaos, and I was hugely impressed by the range of work they do. I’m delighted to now be able to support their Free Range Kids campaign, which calls for measures to be taken to allow kids to play outside and move around their local area more safely, freely and independently. Specifically, they’re asking for the law to be changed to make 20 miles per hour the maximum speed limit in residential areas across the UK and for further investment in walking and cycling routes, particularly to school.

Sustrans have set up a website for the campaign which aims to get these messages across, whilst at the same time providing practical information, ideas and resources for schools and parents to help get kids outside and active. I absolutely love their summer activity sheets, which are packed with ideas for things to do outside over the holidays.

There are various ways in which you can support the Free Range Kids campaign – you can sign the pledge on the website, or if you’re feeling super enthusiastic you can help to spread the word by handing out pledge cards locally.

If you want to get your family involved, Sustrans have launched a great competition where children can tell us what they think about speed limits.

The competition, called ‘Be a Two-Zero Hero’ invites children aged 7-11 to design a postcard telling us what 20mph speed limits in their local area would mean to them. You can watch a wee video with more info here.

After the competition closes on 31 October, Sustrans will be sending copies of the entries to local politicians and transport planners to let them know what children in their area think.

As well as having their voices heard, there is the chance to win a short family break from glamping specialists Sawday’s Canopy and Stars, a children’s bike from Islabikes or a BMX stunt display for their school. More information, including entry forms can be found online.