Popular interactive game Beat The Street returns to Reading

What is Beat The Street?

Beat The Street turns whole communities into a giant activity competition. The popular interactive game encourages communities to move more and to make small lifestyle changes, such as walking or cycling to school or work every day.

Players can join school, community, or workplace teams to win prizes for the furthest travel. There’s also an individual leader board, spot prizes, and the chance to help local charities win cash rewards. With the addition of total and average points leader boards, there are opportunities for teams of all sizes to win prizes.

As well as making a significant impact on increasing low levels of physical activity among adults and children, the game helps reduce congestion, improve air quality, and helps families spend time in green spaces together. Some participants report that it even helps with maths and map-reading.

How to get involved

Children at participating primary schools will be provided with a card and a map to start playing. Adults can pick up a free card from one of the distribution points listed on the Beat The Street Reading south and east website.

Players over the age of 13 can download the free Beat The Street app to play the game on their phone.

When does it start?

The game will begin in south and east Reading from Wednesday 25th September 2024, until Wednesday 6th November 2024.

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, added:

“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.”

Beat the Street was created by Reading GP Dr William Bird MBE, a specialist in physical activity, to encourage people to explore their local areas and to make exercise fun. The game initially took place several times in Reading before reaching more than 168 locations across the UK and some 1.9 million players.

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.

Visit the Beat The Street website and follow @BTSReadingSE on social media for the latest updates.