Get to School

Discover services designed to help kids get to school safely and sustainably.

Plan your journey

The best way to start the day

The school journey is a perfect opportunity for children to discover their local area, gain independence and develop social networks. Reducing the number of children being driven to school in cars also has a number of benefits.

Improve physical and mental health

Using active travel for the school journey is a great way for children and parents to reach their recommended daily activity targets. By encouraging children to walk, cycle or scoot to school, it will help their physical and mental health.  Pupils who use active travel to get to school are more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day.

Safer school zones and road safety skills

From a young age, children can develop road safety skills and learn how to manage risk gradually. As they develop the skills they need to stay safe, they can become more independent and discover strategies and solutions for getting around by themselves. Reducing the number of cars around the school at the start and end of the day will also make it safer for everyone.

Fewer emissions, less air pollution

It’s estimated that as many as 1 in 5 cars in the morning rush hour is on the school run, causing congestion and increasing journey times. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution which can impact on their development.

Further information

Many organisations provide studies and information describing the benefits of active travel to school and a reduction in the number of children being driven. The Sustrans Benefits of Active Travel for Young People fact sheet outlines the key facts and provides further resources and advice to encourage sustainable travel.

Some benefits of active travel to school
Develop life skills

Independently negotiating the school journey is thought to develop children’s responsibility, decision making, and time and risk management skills

Improve concentration

Childre who cycle or walk to school demonstrate a measurable increase in concentration that lasts up to four hours

Fewer cars = safer roads

There is consistent evidence to show that motorists are less likely to collide with pedestrians and cyclists if more people walk or cycle

Develop life skills

Independently negotiating the school journey is thought to develop children’s responsibility, decision making, and time and risk management skills

Improve concentration

Childre who cycle or walk to school demonstrate a measurable increase in concentration that lasts up to four hours

Fewer cars = safer roads

There is consistent evidence to show that motorists are less likely to collide with pedestrians and cyclists if more people walk or cycle

Top tips to get you started...

Plan the best route

Plan the best route

Plan your route together in advance, finding quieter routes and Redways wherever possible.

Practice at the weekend

Practice at the weekend

Have a practice run together, at weekends when it’s likely to be quieter.

Build confidence

Build confidence

Accompany your child at first. Let them lead the way and start to make decisions about which way to go and where to cross.

Safety first

Safety first

Make sure your child knows how to deal with any busier junctions or roads.

Enjoy it!

Enjoy it!

Encourage them to find a friend to walk or cycle with them.

Develop your child's skills

Develop your child's skills

If you child is cycling then Bikeability cycle training can be a great way to help them develop skills and increase their confidence in the road

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