It’s BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK till Friday but it’s not only the kids who are encouraged to get out and cycle, it’s the whole family.
The event is put together by the walking and cycling charity SUSTRANS with support from the BIKEABILITY TRUST, and it’s a really great way to celebrate the advantages of active travel, including the positive impact on our children’s health and wellbeing, as well as the environmental benefits of course.
By now, the kids will know all about this event as SUSTRANS have been support the lead up to the week with a range of resources available. These include:
- school posters
- five curriculum-linked daily activities to be completed in class for Early Years Foundation through to Key Stage 3
- a video guide with simple practices to check your bike is safe to ride
- school presentations
These activities aim to inspire pupils to think about their journeys to school, understand the benefits of active travel, and consider the causes and effects of air pollution.
One of the resource kits, GET ACTIVE, is packed full of advice, tips and information we could all use. You can download it HERE.
There are loads of benefits to getting active on the way to school.
- It’s a boost to children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing
- Children arrive more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day.
- There’s reduced congestion and pollution around the school gates.
- Children are more aware of road safety and feel more independent.
During Sustrans Big Pedal (April 2021) over half a million children cycled or scooted to school.
Mornings are a busy time for parents and children, so the key to all this is to prepare and get ready the night before (maybe check the weather forecast too). Make sure the school bags are packed and the helmets are near the door ready to go.
The main thing is to plan your route ahead. Look for something flat and quiet so that it’s suitable for everyone. You might be surprised how many quiet roads there are in your area that you can use to get to school.
Check out the National Cycle Network and their network of paths and routes for walking, cycling and wheeling.
You can also find a route suitable for you HERE.
Of course, the bike need to be checked too. It’s all the usual things first, Check your tyres are pumped up to the correct pressure, adjust your saddle to be comfortable and make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. Multiple layers work best so you can warm up and cool down quickly.
Getting a bike can always be a bt of a challenge, and expense, but we think a pre-loved one is a great way to start. We came across this site which has a range of bike for everyone SECOND LIFE. But there are loads of places to look locally, with family and friends being a great place to start.
For more details on BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK, and everything else Sustrans does, go HERE.
