Boss the school run
Why cycle, walk
or wheel to school?
Come on, it's much more fun!
On foot and by bike travel is much more fun for kids. They love being out in the open air, in any weather. Plus you get to spend more quality time with them - a few minutes to talk about your day or to spot things en route. It's much more appealing than sitting in a car in crawling traffic.
Walking, cycling or wheeling is easily the least faff option at pick up and drop off time - you don't need to find somewhere to park your car, you can just cruise right up to the school gates. Plus, on foot and by bike is the most reliable way to travel as it will take you exactly the same time, every time. You'll feel less stressed and it's so much better for your physical and mental health.
And if that’s still not enough, think of how much cleaner the air will be with fewer cars on the road. Pre-pandemic, trips to education generated an estimated 730,000 trips by car per school day. Think of how much clearer the roads would be if more of those journeys were walked or cycled. And how much less hassle it will be for residents and teachers who have to deal with congestion on a daily basis.
Make on foot and by bike travel part of your routine for the school run. You'll be surprised at how good it will make everyone feel.
Here are a few tips so that you can walk, wheel or cycle as part of the school run
Get equipped
Thinking of cycling to school? You’ll need to know how. Everyone can learn to ride a bike, whatever their age. We offer free cycle training for adults. Check whether your school offers Bikeability cycle training for the kids. Once you’re all confident in the saddle, join one of our family cycle courses.
You’ll need a suitable bike, whether it’s an environmentally friendly second-hand bike, a brand new one, or maybe you just want to hire or borrow a bike. Find out everything about getting access to a bike.
Plan your route
Look out for quieter roads and traffic-free paths wherever possible
Download our cycling and walking maps for your district and plot your route
Let TfGM’s journey planner plot the best active travel route for you
Trial run
Once you have planned out the best route, practice the journey together at the weekend when the roads are likely to be quieter
Depending on your child's age you may want to join them. When cycling together on the road, take up the position behind them. Learn how to cycle safely on the road as a group at our Family Cycle Training sessions.
Keep it up
As they build confidence and get older, gradually reduce how far you go together.
Encourage your child to cycle or walk with a friend.
Download Sustrans’ free family guide for an active school run.
When small feet drag, keep kids entertained on the walk by making up games or spotting things on the way. Living Streets has lots of good ideas.
Champion active travel
Inspire others to walk, cycle and wheel to school.
Encourage your school to take part in national active travel campaigns such as Living Street’s Walk to School Week, Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel, as well as TfGM’s active travel programmes.
Encourage your school to instal the facilities needed to make it easier for everyone to travel actively – like bike and scooter parking. You could even encourage them to trial a School Street.
Are you trying cycling for the first time? If so, there are ways you can prepare
Get equipped!
Got a bike? Follow our M-Check guidance to ensure your bike is fit to ride
Not got a bike and unsure whether to invest? borrow a bike from one of our Bike Libraries to give it a go without the commitment
Make sure you have got bike lights for the darker winter months and a lock for parking. Helmets are recommended but are ultimately personal choice. Don’t forget a coat for the rain!
Develop your cycle skills and confidence
Ask if your school offers Bikeability cycle training or find a Bikeability course near you
Our family cycle confidence training can help you cycle safely as a group on the road
Worried about road safety? Read through Sustrans helpful tips
For more information on cycling for beginners, check out this handy guide from Sustrans
Support for schools
We have plenty of schemes available to help students, parents and schools to walk, wheel or cycle more in their daily lives.