Supporting Cycling To School

All the surveys that have been conducted in schools in Somerset have shown huge demand to cycle to school (38% when asked of their preferred method of transport), but currently only 3% do cycle. They’re also asked what would encourage them to cycle, with the common answers being storage for the bikes, storage for other belongings such as helmet, etc in lockers, cycle training and more cycle lanes, both on and off the school site.

Schools that have received the travel plan grant have often used the money to improve cycle parking on the school site to help encourage more pupils to cycle to school.  Some schools and PRUs have taken things further by introducing bicycle repair courses, where pupils are taught how to fix and maintain bikes, and some get to keep their handiwork.

Schools’ demand for cycling can also add weight to planning applications involving cycling infrastructure, such as cycle lanes on roads and separate paths from pedestrians.

If you have any queries regarding cycling, in or out of school, please contact Michael Dennis (School Travel Adviser) on 01823 358239 or David Mitchell (Cycling Officer) on 01823 356789, or email schooltravelplans@somerset.gov.uk.