Ways of walking and cycling to school

Not only are walking and cycling healthy, environmentally friendly travel choices, but walking or cycling to school regularly can also help to develop children's Road Safety skills. For those that are old enough and sufficiently experienced to do so without adult supervision, walking or cycling to school increases their level of independence. 

Research has also found that children who walk or cycle to school are thought to be more alert and ready for morning lessons than those who have been driven to school.

Of one hundred Primary School teachers surveyed throughout England and Wales:

93% believe that walking to school makes children more aware of Road Safety issues.
90% stated that walking to school enables children to become more aware of their local environment
87% believe that walking to school gives children the opportunity to wake up fully before they reach the classroom and so are brighter and more alert for the school day
60% of teachers felt that walking to school enables children to settle down quickly once in the classroom

Formally supervised ways of walking or cycling to school include the 'Walking Bus' which encourages pupils to walk to school with other pupils along a safety checked route under the supervision of responsible adults. 

More information on walking bus schemes can be found on our website.

Walking/cycling to school with your child provides an opportunity for spending regular quality time with your child.  So often we find ourselves rushing about from place to place, by walking or cycling to school you and your child may be able to just slow down for a few minutes each day and simply enjoy each others company.  

Whilst walking or cycling with your child you can help your child to develop their road safety skills, making sure that they know what they should to help them to stay safe whilst making their own journeys.

The Green Cross Code is a basic road safety lesson, which you could practise with your child whilst making your way to school. 

There are also a number of games that you can play with your child whilst walking to school which are fun but informative, see the Walk to School website for details.

Walking/Cycling Groups

Where the parent/guardian believes that their child is mature enough to walk or cycle to school without adult supervision, Walking and/or Cycling Groups may be beneficial.

Here, schools encourage that pupils walk or cycle with at least one other pupil to school.  Walking and cycling in groups will improve pupils' personal safety and road safety.  The key is safety in numbers.