Take Part In 'Bike To School Week 2023’
This year, Bike to School Week takes place between the 25th and the 29th of September 2023.
This week-long event is organised by our friends at the Bikeability trust and is supported by Sustrans. It celebrates cycling and scooting to school and the massive benefits an active school run brings to children’s health and the environment 🙌
Everyone can take part in Cycle to School Week. Your school journey can be made with any type of cycle, for example, handcycle, tagalong, cargo bike or scooter 🏫 🚲 🛴
For free downloads and information on this years event, you can head to the Sustrans website.
How to Cycle to School Safely
Cycling to school is a great way to get some exercise, reduce traffic congestion, and save money on transportation costs. But it can also be a bit daunting, especially if you're not used to cycling with children.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy a hassle-free school run:
1) Make sure your child's bicycle fits and that all your bikes are roadworthy. This is essential for safety. You should also make sure that your child knows how to use the brakes and gears properly.
2) If you're on the road with children, take up a position behind them so you can keep them in your line of vision at all times. This is especially important if your children are young or inexperienced cyclists.
3) If there are two adults in your group, it's a good idea to have one at the back and one out in front. This way, you can keep an eye on everyone and make sure that no one gets lost.
4) Be sure to follow the Highway Code and teach it to your children along the way. Make sure they know to keep left and stop at junctions.
5) Get your child to signal clearly with you. This is another important safety tip. It will help to avoid accidents and make sure that other road users know what you're doing.
Helpful Cycling Tips
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Start slowly. If you're not used to cycling with children, don't try to do too much too soon. Start by cycling short distances and gradually increase the distance as you get more comfortable.
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Make it fun. Cycling to school should be a fun experience for both you and your children. So, make sure to take breaks along the way and enjoy the scenery.
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Be patient. Learning to cycle takes time and practice. So, be patient with your children and don't get discouraged if they don't get it right away.
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Choose a safe route. When choosing a route to school, try to avoid busy roads and areas with a lot of traffic. Look for routes that have bike lanes or paths.
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Check the weather forecast. If it's going to be raining, make sure to dress appropriately and bring rain gear.
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Leave early. This will give you plenty of time to get to school without rushing.
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy a hassle-free school run with your children. So, get out there and start cycling!
Why Cycle or Scoot the School Run?
Research shows that 71% of UK school pupils are worried about climate change
And transport accounts for 27% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions
But switching from the car to cycling, scooting or walking the school run can help reduce air pollution around the school gates
Plus, there are loads of other benefits to getting active on the way to school:
✔️ It's a boost to children's physical health and wellbeing
✔️ Children arrive more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day
✔️ It improves our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and increasing our self-esteem
✔️ There's reduced congestion and pollution around the school
✔️ Children are more aware of road safety and feel more independent
Questions We Get Typically Asked About Cycling to School
Is biking to school safe?
Biking to school is safe when certain precautions are taken. Most importantly, encourage your children to wear helmets and follow traffic rules. Make sure to plan a safe route that avoids busy streets and junctions. Additionally, teach them about proper hand signals and the importance of staying visible to motorists. Finally, ride with them until you believe they are old enough and capable of riding alone.
How can I choose the right bike for my child?
Choosing the right bike for your child is essential for a comfortable and safe ride. Consider their age, size, and skill level when selecting a bike. We recommend choosing a bike based on their inside leg measurement. This will give the most comfortable fit. Ensure that they can comfortably reach the handlebars and pedals while maintaining proper posture when they are riding.
How can parents encourage their children to bike to school?
Start by setting a positive example taking them on some cycling trips when possible. Plan the route to school with them and ride with them to build their confidence. You can also consider organising bike groups with other parents and children, making the commute more enjoyable and safer.
Bike to School Week 2023 Resources
Helpful resources for parents and teachers on the Sustrans website. These include presentations and posters for classrooms.
Sustrans wants to inspire pupils to think about their journeys to school and understand the benefits of active travel.
Need a New Set of Wheels for The School Run?