Image: Merton Council
People in Merton are being invited to ditch the car and get active as part of a free, interactive game which launches in the borough this week.
Beat the Street encourages people of all ages to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives by rewarding teams with points and prizes the further they travel on foot, by bike and by scooter.
Beeping and flashing sensors called Beat Boxes will be placed on lampposts around Merton for the duration of the six-week game, which gets underway on 15 March.
Primary school pupils will be provided with a player pack containing a map and a card for the child and an accompanying adult. The wider community can pick up a contactless card from distribution points including libraries and leisure centres across Merton.
Alternatively, players over the age of 13 years can download the free Beat the Street app to play the game.
Players can join a school, community, or a workplace team, plus one of two official charity teams – the Dons Local Action Group and the Jimmy Asher Foundation.
Players then travel between the contactless Beat Boxes scoring points with their cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score for their community or school team. Each week is themed with different activities to help participants get the most out of their Beat the Street experience.
The prizes for the teams that travel the furthest in the game include vouchers for books and sports equipment. There is a total points and an average leaderboard, giving the opportunity for teams of all sizes to win.
Beat the Street Merton has been commissioned by Merton Council and NHS South West London with support from the National Lottery via Sport England. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.
Cllr Peter McCabe, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “We are delighted to bring this innovative and compelling game to Merton, and we can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, cycle and scoot during the game.
“Active travel is cheap, low carbon, improves air quality and also improves physical and mental health Everyone is welcome to get involved. So, pick up a card or download the mobile app, and join the movement!”
13 March 2023