Information for Kids
There are lots of reasons why cycling to school is a great idea. It’s fun, fast, doesn’t cost anything and it’s good for your health and the environment.
Get cycling!
Cycling to school is so much more fun than sitting in the back of a car or on a crowded bus. By using your journey to exercise in the fresh air you will arrive at school more awake and better able to concentrate.
Choosing to cycle to school is a great way to keep both your body and mind active. It can be a great way to meet up with friends and catch up on the gossip as well as keeping your body active.
Cycling to school also means that you have your own mode of transport and can choose the route which suits you best, so you can go via your friend’s house and cycle with them for the rest of your journey.
Cycling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as it is a pollution free, sustainable mode of transport which has the potential to greatly reduce the growing congestion on our roads. By using your own pedal power to get to school you can contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
A great way to encourage more people to cycle at your school is to get involved with the School Travel Plan. You can do this by asking your teacher or the School Travel Co-ordinator. You can also participate in any cycle training available at school which will mean you are a more competent and confident cyclist.
There may be the opportunity to participate in a cycling club after school or one in the local area. Your Active School Co-ordinator should be able to provide details of these in your area. Additionally, Scottish Cycling also coordinates the Go-Ride programme and supports school cycling clubs, details of which can be found at http://www.scottishcycling.com under ‘School Clubs’
Cycling can also be a family activity after school and at the weekend. Active Woods, run by the Forestry Commission, offers a range of cycle trails and paths that all the family can enjoy, whatever their experience or skill.
Finding out more:
There are many websites that give great advice about cycling. Click on the words highlighted in blue to view the websites. Cycling Scotland would recommend the following:
Active Woods – Forestry Commission for advice on where to cycle and a range of activities in a woodland near you.
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.
International Mountain Biking Association – With lots of cool information on looking after trails and ideas for youth activities.
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
