Cycling is fun

Cycling to school is a fun and independent way to travel to school either on your own or with friends and family. Next to football,  cycling is the most popular pastime or sport.

Cycling to school offers much more freedom and fun than being stuck in mum or dad’s car in the morning.  It provides a great opportunity to meet up with your friends and catch up on the news on the way to school. You can choose what route to take and by doing this you will get to know your way around your neighbourhood better whilst gaining independence. You can ask parents or teachers to help you map out the best route ( see Sustrans Safer Routes to School website for tips) for you to take. 

Cycling is not just a fun way to get to school but it is also a great hobby.  There are many different types of cycling which is probably what makes it such a popular activity there is something for everyone.

Some of the most popular activities include:-

BMX – Which can be sprint racing on short dirt surfaced tracks, or freestyle tricks on a skatepark or street corner.

Mountain biking –Cross-country on natural paths and trails in your neighbourhood or at one of the mountain bike centres.  Downhill usually at one of the mountain bike centres or on a specially built courses with jumps and technical sections.

Road Cycling – Could be group riding with a local club either as a training activity or a sociable touring ride. Some groups take part in road-racing, Tour de France style bunch racing. It could also be a solo activity either for training or to go places either for work, school or just to visit friends.

Track Cycling – Racing cycling on special facilities called velodromes currently Scotland has several world class track cyclists who have won medals at Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Olympic Games.

Finding out more:
There are many websites that give great advice about cycling. Cycling Scotland would recommend the following.

Scottish Cycling  - National Governing Body for Cycle Sport. Lots of information on the different types of cycling competition and details of clubs in your area.

Mountain Bike Trails - Forestry Commission website about mountain biking in Scotland with links to all the mountain bike centres. Some sections like the 7 stanes alos contains tips on how to get started. 

Safe Routes to Schools – SUSTRANS  is a great resource for a wide range of information, including information specific to Scotland

Eco-Schools - Advice and information on environmental issues of concern to schools and pupils, including transport issues.

Health Promoting schools
Outlines the  benefits of integrating cycling to school into everyday school life