Advice and training on how to get to school on a scooter or a bicycle.
Cycling to school helps young people to develop road safety skills, become more confident and independent. It’s frequently stated that children don’t get enough exercise – cycling to school can contribute towards the recommended one hour a day of physical activity.
If your child cycles to school, make sure their bike is in good working order, and that they wear a helmet and reflective jacket. Work out the best route with the least traffic.
Don’t let the children have all the fun! Why not cycle with your children to school? You can use the ‘school run’ as the kick-start to better health you’ve been planning for ages. Cycling to school will save you money on bus fares or petrol and is often quicker than getting into the car and getting snarled up in traffic. Plus cycling is a very efficient way to travel to and from school.
Traffic and pollution on roads around a school are also reduced when more children travel by bike, which benefits everyone.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on buying a bike for your child, but it is important to get the right size bike in good working order.
It is essential that your child’s bike:
Fits properly as a bike that is too big or too small is dangerous. Don’t be tempted to go for a bike that your child will ‘grow into’. Most bikes can be adjusted to allow for growth, so make sure that your child can sit comfortably on it with the seat at its lowest setting. To begin with, the balls of their feet should just touch the ground, and they should be able to turn the handlebars, brake and change gear without over-stretching.
Brighton Council strongly recommends that children wear helmets when cycling. However, it is not mandatory for children to wear helmets when cycling. Don’t be influenced by helmets that feature cartoon characters; buy for safety and ventilation, not just looks. Helmets should always be bought new and should conform to one of the following safety standards: BS6863, AS2063.86, ANSIZ90.4, SNELL B90 or B95.
It is essential that your child’s helmet fits properly. It:
When the weather is dull, clothing needs to be bright, fluorescent or white. Remember bright colours can’t be seen in the dark, so at night reflective gear is the safest choice.
Making sure children can be easily seen when out and about is an important part of keeping them safe.
Bikeability cycle training is available for children in years 5 to 10 (aged 9 to 14 years old) where a School Travel Plan is in place.
We also offer courses in local parks during the school holidays.
To find out about availability:
Free Scootability scooter training is available to schools for children age 6 to 7 years, where a School Travel Plan is in place. Schools can apply at any time of year.
The training is delivered by accredited cycle instructors. The course increases skills, improves confidence and increases awareness of other pavement users.
To find out about availability please phone Emily Tester on 01273 293 847.
For more information read:
Download a free Scootability poster (PDF 1.8MB) promoting safe scooting to display in your school or watch the children in action video.
We're working in partnership with Sustrans on the national 'Bike It' scheme which aims to get more young people cycling to school and for other journeys.
For more information send an email to Ben.Sherratt@sustrans.org.uk.