Cycling to School

Cycling is an excellent way to get to school, it is healthy, cheap and environmentally friendly. It is also quicker than walking, so allowing you to travel a greater distance in the same time.

School is usually the first time that we get any structured cycling lessons, coming in the form of "cycle training" through the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme. Delivery of these courses is coordinated by the local road safety units and is usually offered to primary 6 or 7 children.

Cycling Scotland advocate that training should take place on road and recommend that all children should be offered training.

The Safe Routes to School initiative which is coordinated by Sustrans provides valuable information and support for schools and parents interested in cycling and walking to school.

The Go-Ride programmes and regional academies coordinated by Scottish Cycling provide an excellent range of skill based activities for those interested in progressing into cycle-sport.

The Scottish Health Promoting Schools website has information and resources to help schools take positive steps towards better health and well-being. The Eco-Schools initiative similarly helps schools become more enviromentally aware.

Schools in Scotland have been set the target of becoming a health promoting school by 2007. This involves a whole school approach to promoting the physical, social, spiritual, mental and emotional well-being of all pupils and staff. The website contains a section on active travel.

As well as the Health Promoting School initiative sportscotland coordinate an active school programme. The Active Schools programme, launched by the Scottish Executive in 2003, aims to support schools in a whole-school approach to physical activity. An Active School looks to provide quality, safe and fun physical activity opportunities for young people in both the formal and informal curriculum.