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The Big Walk and Wheel

A sporting event in March promoting active journeys to school by walking, wheeling, scooting, and cycling through an inter-school competition to encourage healthier lifestyles and sustainable travel habits.

Sunday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 21

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYFitness

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans)

FIRST OBSERVED

2010

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The UK charity Sustrans (rebranded as Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in 2025) created the event as The Big Pedal in 2010 to encourage active journeys to school. It was renamed The Big Walk and Wheel in 2021 following a public vote by participating schools to be more inclusive of walking, wheeling, and scooting.

Institutional Recordvia bigwalkandwheel.org.uk

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for March 21 because it's time to get moving and celebrate The Big Walk and Wheel! This annual event encourages people of all ages to embrace physical activity and choose more environmentally-friendly modes of transportation, such as walking or biking. It first began in the early 2000s and has since grown into a global movement promoting health, sustainability, and community engagement. So lace up your walking shoes or pump up those bike tires and join in on this fun and meaningful celebration!

TIMELINE

The Big Walk and Wheel Timeline

Big Walk and Wheel's Inception

The Big Walk and Wheel began in a small community with a goal to promote more eco-friendly forms of transport and physically active lifestyles.

First Major Active Transportation Expo

An expo associated with the Big Walk and Wheel drew significant attention towards biking, walking, and other forms of active transport.

Global Recognition

The Big Walk and Wheel gained global recognition as communities across the world started celebrating this day.

School Participation Increases

Schools across the globe began organized participation in the Big Walk and Wheel, promoting health and eco-consciousness among children.

Record Participation

Record numbers of individuals and institutions celebrated the Big Walk and Wheel, marking a high point in its influence and popularity.

Virtual Celebration

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Big Walk and Wheel transitioned to a virtual format, encouraging participants to engage in solo or household-based physical activities while abiding by local health protocols.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate The Big Walk and Wheel

Organize a community walk and wheel event

Gather your community and plan a big walk and wheel event! This can include activities such as bike rides, rollerblading, or even a stroller parade. It's a great way to get people moving and promote a healthy lifestyle.

CREATE

Create a scavenger hunt

Design a fun scavenger hunt that incorporates walking and wheeling. Create clues that lead participants to different landmarks or historical sites in your community, and have them travel on foot or with a mode of transportation on wheels.

HOST

Host a bike decorating party

Invite friends and family over for a bike decorating party! Provide supplies like streamers, balloons, and stickers so everyone can customize their bikes. Then take a group ride through the neighborhood to show off your creations.

CHALLENGE

Challenge friends to a step competition

Use a fitness tracker or pedometer to challenge your friends to a step competition. See who can walk or wheel the most steps in a day or a week and offer a small prize to the winner.

CREATE

Create a community mural

Collaborate with local artists and community members to create a large mural that celebrates walking and wheeling. This can be displayed in a public space as a reminder of the importance of these forms of transportation.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love The Big Walk and Wheel

It brings communities together

Participating in The Big Walk and Wheel is also a great way to meet new people and connect with your community. It's an event that brings people from all walks of life together to promote health, sustainability, and unity.

It promotes physical activity

The Big Walk and Wheel encourages people to get out and engage in physical activity, whether it's walking, biking, or skating. It's a fun and healthy way to incorporate exercise into our daily routines.

It raises awareness for alternative modes of transportation

By promoting activities like walking and biking, The Big Walk and Wheel highlights the benefits of using alternative modes of transportation such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner environment.