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Cycling to school

Two secondary school students, one boy, one girl, cycling to school

Why promote cycling?

Increasing levels of cycling is a relatively easy way to improve health, wellbeing and independence. It is also a practical way of getting from a to b.

There are a variety of ways to promote cycling in schools and the wider community. It can be built into the daily routine of students, staff and parents.

Who to aim at?

Firstly the students in a school. This can be infant, junior, secondary or sixth form college. The main focus is on young people but staff and parents can easily get involved. A sustainable cycling culture can be built up within the school.

What does successful cycle promotion look like?

More students and staff riding to school. In some secondary schools in Surrey less than 5% of the students cycle to school. It is rare for more than half the students in any school to live more than three miles away so the scope for cycling is huge. Full cycle shelters, regular cycle related activities both within and outside school, regular bike club meetings and improved facilities such as lockers and showers are all healthy signs.

What are the benefits for the students and the school?

Students

Cycling brings increased independence and therefore increased opportunities to take part in activities of any kind after school.

Most students have a bike already but may struggle to find opportunities to use it.

Cycling to school improves fitness and can often be a way for students who don’t take part in traditional sports such as football and rugby to get exercise.

Schools

There have been studies carried out that show that children perform better in lessons if they cycle to school.

Cycle journeys times can be more predictable than driving or buses therefore improving punctuality.

The health and environmental benefits of cycling fit very well with initiatives such as Healthy Schools, Eco Schools, Sustainable Schools and school travel plans.

Schoolgirl cycling to school

Where do I start?

Resources available to download (see section at bottom of page)

  • Sample school cycle policies (print version)
  • Sample lesson plan (print version)
  • Playground activities (print version)
  • Getting around booklet (self help training)
  • Get ready to ride booklet (self help training and permission slip)


Bicycle and young rider jumping off ramp

Great examples from Surrey

Read about some successful schools.

How do I encourage more staff to ride to work ?

Surrey County Council have signed up to the 'Cycle to work scheme'

Further help

Please call the Contact Centre on 03456 009009 and ask for 'Safer Travel'.

Files available to download

Page information

  • Updated: 30 Mar 2012
  • Roland Seber
  • Send to a friend

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/?a=199614