Image: The Bikeability Trust
This year’s Cycle to School Week will take place in October, looking to demonstrate the physical, financial and environmental benefits of pedal power.
The event aims to encourage families and schools to celebrate cycling – and is being organised by The Bikeability Trust, with support from Sustrans.
It is being held between 3-7 October.
Data from Cycling UK shows an average of just 2.2% of children cycle to school, while 35.4% are driven.
As well as the physical benefits, this year’s event looks at how cycling can save families money, given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The Bikeability Trust estimates that swapping the car for cycling on the school run could save families £160 a year.
Ahead of the event, schools and families across the UK are being invited to take part.
Participants can choose between pledging to swap one car journey for cycling, cycle to school every day, cycle with their family or discover somewhere new on a cycle ride.
All participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a brand new Frog City 61 Bike.
Schools are also encouraged to play their part, using presentations, activities and lesson plans created by The Bikeability Trust and Sustrans.
The resources will be available throughout the year, allowing schools to continue the conversation around active travel beyond Cycle to School Week.
Emily Cherry, CEO at The Bikeability Trust, said: “I am so proud that the Bikeability Trust is taking the lead on Cycle to School Week, in partnership with our friends at Sustrans.
“It’s so important that children are active and a cycling commute is great for the health – and purses! – of the whole family, as well as our planet.
“We have already trained over four million children to cycle, and we are excited to celebrate the joys of cycling across the UK in October.
“By working with schools and families to encourage a more active school run, we’re now embedding healthy habits in the next generation. I will be pledging to discover a new cycle ride with my family this Cycle to School Week, what will yours be?”
24 August 2022