How Does Beat The Street Work In Hemsworth, Ryhill, And Havercroft?

Imagine turning your town into a massive game where walking, biking, and scootering could win you prizes. That’s exactly what’s happening from 21 May to 18 June 2025 in Hemsworth, Ryhill, Havercroft, South Hiendley, Fitzwilliam, and Kinsley. It’s called Beat the Street, and it’s not just for kids—it’s for everyone. Families, dog walkers, teens, even that neighbour who never leaves the house. It’s a chance to get moving, get outside, and maybe win something while you’re at it.

What exactly is Beat the Street?

If you’ve ever played Pokémon GO or done a scavenger hunt, you’ll get the vibe. Beat the Street turns your town into a game board. Beat Boxes—which are basically smart sensors—are fitted to lampposts. You walk, run, cycle, or scoot between them, and each time you "tap in" using your free card or app, you score points.

The more you move, the more points you earn. And yes, there are prizes. Real ones.

Launch day is packed with activities

Things kick off on Wednesday 21 May with two launch events:

• 9:30am–11:30am at Havercroft & Ryhill Community Learning Centre
• 2:30pm–4:30pm at Red Roof Centre in Kinsley

Both events are free to attend and great for families. You’ll get all the info you need to play, plus:

• A free bottle of water
• Double points at the nearby Beat Box
• A chance to win a scooter
• Skateboarding and scootering sessions from Team Rubicon (they’re bringing all the gear and instructors too)

What makes it special?

This isn’t just about getting your steps in. Beat the Street is a way to rediscover where you live. You might find a new park you never knew about. Or bump into people you haven’t seen in ages. Councillor Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport at Wakefield Council, said it best:

“This is an opportunity to promote physical and mental wellbeing across our villages in a way that’s fun, free, and inclusive.”

Basically, it’s good for you, good for your community, and a great excuse to get out of the house.

How to join in

You’ll need either a card or the mobile app to play. Here’s how:

• School kids will get cards through their schools
• Everyone else can pick one up from a local distribution point
• Or download the Beat the Street app for free from Google Play or the App Store

Once you’ve got your card or app, just start tapping at Beat Boxes as you move about. You can join a school team, a community group, or even start one with your mates. The game works best when you team up.

Why it matters

This whole thing is more than just a game. It’s part of a bigger plan to:

• Improve mental and physical health
• Reduce traffic and air pollution
• Help people feel more connected to their local area

It’s been created by Dr William Bird MBE, a GP who’s passionate about helping people live more active lives. More than a million people across the UK have taken part in Beat the Street, and it’s had a real impact.

Quick look: What you need to know

• Dates: 21 May – 18 June 2025
• Where: Hemsworth, Ryhill, Havercroft, South Hiendley, Fitzwilliam, and Kinsley
• Cost: Free
• How to play: Tap in with a card or app at Beat Boxes
• What you can win: Points, prizes, scooters
• Launch events:
  • Havercroft & Ryhill Community Learning Centre (9:30am–11:30am)
  • Red Roof Centre in Kinsley (2:30pm–4:30pm)

Where to get more info

To stay in the loop, head to beatthestreet.me/hemsworthward or follow Wakefield Wellbeing on Facebook. If you’re into community fun, this one’s a no-brainer.

Get ready to walk, scoot, or pedal your way around town—and maybe even win something while you're at it.