Sustrans launches Bike to School guide

In the same week that British Cycling called for cycling to be put on the National Curriculum in England, Sustrans has published a new guide aimed at helping teachers, parents and governors to get more children cycling to school.

The guide, which can be downloaded free from the sustainable transport charity’s website, provides a step-by-step programme to get in the saddle, as well as hints and tips on lessons, events and other activities that can help encourage kids to ride their bikes, as well as giving them the skills to do so safely.

The guide will be officially launched at National Bike to School Week, which this year runs from 10-14 June, although as Sustrans says, schools can put that six-week programme into operation at any time of year.

Sustrans says that across the UK, only 4 per cent of children currently travel to school by bike or scooter, but half of kids want to do so.

Gary Shipp, Sustrans National Projects Coordinator for Education and Young People, commented: “We’re really excited to launch this new guide to help schools encourage more children to cycle to school.

“Our ultimate aim is that every week becomes Bike to School Week!

“The average primary school journey is just 1.5 miles – the perfect distance to cycle," he added.

“We hope that with the help of this guide thousands of families will rediscover the fun and freedom of cycling to school to get fit and save money at the same time.”