A new million-pound programme will see cycle repair
workshops set up in primary schools and local
neighbourhoods to make sure students’ bikes are fit for
the road.
‘Doctor Bike’ clinics will be rolled out next month,
targeting areas where children, including those with
disabilities, are more likely to need support in
getting their bikes roadworthy for regular use on the
school run.
Being physically active, such as cycling or walking to
school, cuts the risk of developing health issues and
helps kids to be more alert and ready to learn –
positively impacting their health and wellbeing.
A further £1 million has also been announced to boost
the number of children walking to school. The Walk to
School Outreach Programme – which has already generated
4 million new walking trips – is being extended to roll
out further measures to support walking.
This includes tackling the barriers that may prevent
children and their families choosing to walk to and
from school, as well as providing schools with
classroom materials and access to local coordinators
who can help schools get new walking initiatives up and
running.
Cycling and Walking Minister said:
Cycling and walking is good for people and the
planet’s health, so we want half of all journeys to
be cycled or walked by 2030. To do that, we must
encourage young people to see cycling and walking as
as normal as getting the bus or train.
This funding will support schools and local
communities to get more children walking to school,
and set up bike surgeries that will help children get
their bikes ready to roll, so they can start their
day healthy and happy!
CEO of Sustrans Xavier Brice said:
We’re delighted to be able to run Bike to School Week
again this year, after what has been a time of great
uncertainty for all families across the country.
Our new research shows that the majority of UK
parents support changes that have already been made
to the streets and places in their local area to make
walking and cycling to school easier. It has also
identified that interventions, such as cycle routes
separated from road traffic, safer junctions and
cycling training would help families travel actively
to school more.
It’s fantastic that the UK government is recognising
the role walking and cycling projects can play in
helping families travel in a way that is good for
their health and for the environment.
Today’s funding comes during Bike to School Week (28
September to 2 October) and ahead of Walk to School
Week (5 October to 9 October).
The funding is part of a wider plan to create safer
streets for cycling and walking, following the launch
of the most ambitious plans yet, backed by £2 billion
in government investment, to encourage even more people
to choose active travel.
Bikeability training has also recently restarted in
schools across England, helping children gain
confidence and boost their cycling skills.
