Encouraging More Children to Cycle to School
Surveys have shown that around a third of children would like to cycle to school and around 90% of pupils have bikes, yet only a small percentage do.
So how can we encourage children to cycle?
A child cycling to school improves their sense of independence and confidence also they become fitter, alert and have fun too.
Do you really need to use the car?
There are plenty of benefits and good reasons why cycling to school will make a positive change to your life style.
Avoids pollutions
Helps congestion
You'll some more money
Sleep better
Easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine
It's an efficient form of transport as you will not be spending time sitting in traffic jams.
What is stopping children from cycling?
Parents argue that the reason why they won't let their child cycle to school is that they think it's too far to bike, too risky because of road safety or lack of confidence in the skills of their child on the road. Heavy school bags, bad weather conditions or security can be a concern for children.
Schools that want to encourage cycling may offer schemes such as Bikeability. These are support schemes ranging from proficiency courses through to competitions and games, which they can use to encourage children to learn new skills.
The key to improving facilities
It has been recognised that there is a need for schools to provide the right facilities to encourage cycling and to cope with the additional cycles that a scheme may result in. Therefore cycle parking facilities are required and these should be appropriate for the current and future capacity, the age of children and also the environment.
What to think about when planning your cycle parking?
Location
Cycle parking's should be visible and not tucked out of sight. Ideally it should be close to the building or entry point. It should not be situated near any potential hazards such as an entrance, road or car park.
Security
Keeping the bikes locked and secured safely and securely is vital as it provides children a safer area and avoids bikes being stolen. You may install simple stands or racks, which provide anchor points that children can lock their bikes to or if better security is required compounds with access control may be needed.
Type of facility
This can be determined by numerous factors; the number of cycles you need to accommodate, your budgets and the space you have.
For ultimate security, cycle lockers provide a safe, and secure parking facility but do take up a lot of space. Additionally, you may need to think about the increasingly popular use of scooters (especially in primary schools) and so you may need to install specialist scooter racks for children.
Budget
The needs of your cycle users and your budget may impact on your choice.
Rather than your facilities being ripped out, can you use your existing facilities? If you already have stands can you put a shelter over it.
Your Bike It Officer should be able to advise if there are any grants or funding available.
How will you be able to extend the cycle parking provision in the future?
You might consider adding more cycle racks at a later date as long as the site will allow for this. Choose a design that is modular and can be added easily if you think you may want to expand.
So how can we encourage children to cycle?
A child cycling to school improves their sense of independence and confidence also they become fitter, alert and have fun too.
Do you really need to use the car?
There are plenty of benefits and good reasons why cycling to school will make a positive change to your life style.
Avoids pollutions
Helps congestion
You'll some more money
Sleep better
Easiest ways to fit exercise into your daily routine
It's an efficient form of transport as you will not be spending time sitting in traffic jams.
What is stopping children from cycling?
Parents argue that the reason why they won't let their child cycle to school is that they think it's too far to bike, too risky because of road safety or lack of confidence in the skills of their child on the road. Heavy school bags, bad weather conditions or security can be a concern for children.
Schools that want to encourage cycling may offer schemes such as Bikeability. These are support schemes ranging from proficiency courses through to competitions and games, which they can use to encourage children to learn new skills.
The key to improving facilities
It has been recognised that there is a need for schools to provide the right facilities to encourage cycling and to cope with the additional cycles that a scheme may result in. Therefore cycle parking facilities are required and these should be appropriate for the current and future capacity, the age of children and also the environment.
What to think about when planning your cycle parking?
Location
Cycle parking's should be visible and not tucked out of sight. Ideally it should be close to the building or entry point. It should not be situated near any potential hazards such as an entrance, road or car park.
Security
Keeping the bikes locked and secured safely and securely is vital as it provides children a safer area and avoids bikes being stolen. You may install simple stands or racks, which provide anchor points that children can lock their bikes to or if better security is required compounds with access control may be needed.
Type of facility
This can be determined by numerous factors; the number of cycles you need to accommodate, your budgets and the space you have.
For ultimate security, cycle lockers provide a safe, and secure parking facility but do take up a lot of space. Additionally, you may need to think about the increasingly popular use of scooters (especially in primary schools) and so you may need to install specialist scooter racks for children.
Budget
The needs of your cycle users and your budget may impact on your choice.
Rather than your facilities being ripped out, can you use your existing facilities? If you already have stands can you put a shelter over it.
Your Bike It Officer should be able to advise if there are any grants or funding available.
How will you be able to extend the cycle parking provision in the future?
You might consider adding more cycle racks at a later date as long as the site will allow for this. Choose a design that is modular and can be added easily if you think you may want to expand.
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