Award Process

 Award Process

All Primary schools in Scotland can request a Cycle Friendly School Award pack via their School Travel Co-ordinator or Active School co-ordinator.  Alternatively, a pack can be obtained directly from Cycling Scotland.

 How to get started

Cycling Scotland’s goal is to encourage more children to cycle to school, and participate in school based and after school activities so we will be happy to offer you advice and support.  We can advise on what needs to be done to attain Cycle Friendly School status and the relevant partners you can contact for further information and resources. (See ‘Further Information’ section for websites)

 What to Do Next

1. In order to promote and encourage cycling effectively in school it is essential that there is a main point of contact who is enthusiastic about cycling at school and can encourage and co-ordinate others.  This can be an individual cycling champion such as a teacher, parent, Active School Co-ordinator, School Travel co-ordinator or similar.  The role can also be part of an existing relevant working group such as the eco-committee, travel plan group or school council depending on the individual school.

2. The next step is to complete the self-assessment form which is used to gauge how Cycle Friendly your school currently is.  The assessment process identifies areas for improvement and can be used to create an action plan for future activities.  The criteria are grouped under three headings, Infrastructure, Incentives and Promotion and divided into essential and desirable items. 

3. Guidance notes accompany the self assessment form and should be used when completing the form.  Full explanations of criteria requirements are supplied and sources of information are signposted.

4. Contact Cycling Scotland or Sustrans using the details provided to find an award assessor in your area.  When considering your application for the award the assessor will review your completed self assessment form, may make recommendations which will feed into an action plan and will schedule an assessment visit.  If all essential criteria are met or exceeded, the school will be eligible to receive the award.

5. On gaining Cycle Friendly status the school will receive a framed certificate and a supply of reflective, high visibility ‘I go to a Cycle Friendly School’ stickers for the pupils.  These can be placed on bags, clothing and bikes as a reward for children and as a way to communicate the achievement to parents.