Archive Website of the UK government

The benefits of walking or cycling to school

Going to school by foot or bicycle is good for both you and your child because:

• the added exercise will improve their health, stamina and energy and reduce the risk of health problems
  
• it teaches them to travel independently
  
• more people walking and cycling means fewer cars on the road and therefore less pollution
  
• it can free you up to do other things (if you don’t walk with them)

Walking to school safely

Making sure your child is safe is the most important thing. You may not always be able to walk to school with your child. If this is the case - or if they are too young or just don’t want to go alone - there are alternatives like the Walking Bus scheme.

• Search for safe routes to school near you Opens new window

'Walking buses'

The Walking Bus scheme is a safe and healthy way for groups of children to walk to and from school.

Each walking bus has an adult ‘driver’ at the front and an adult ‘conductor’ at the rear. The children walk along a set route picking up ‘passengers’ at planned ‘bus stops’ along the way. The bus runs in all weather conditions and everyone wears a reflective jacket.

Contact your child’s school to find out more about the Walking Bus scheme.

Walk to School campaign

The Walk to School campaign encourages pupils to walk to school more often. The campaign includes the popular Walk on Wednesday (WOW) scheme, which helps to promote regular walking among pupils.

You and your child can also take part in Walk to School Week (usually held in May) and International Walk to School Month (usually October). These are great opportunities to get involved in events that promote the many benefits of walking

• Walk to School campaign - primary schools Opens new window

• Walk to School campaign - secondary schools Opens new window

Staying safe when walking

There are a few simple rules for walkers that can keep you safe. You can find out more from The Highway Code, which contains rules for pedestrians. There is also detailed information on road safety on the Think! Road Safety website.

Tales of the Road, the road safety website for children, explains the Green Cross Code.

• Pedestrians (travel and transport section)

• Think! Road safety website Opens new window

• Tales of the Road Opens new window

Cycling to school safely

If your child is going to go to school by bicycle you need to teach them how to stay safe. It’s also important for you to set a good example on the road yourself.

• Cycle safety for children

Bikeability cycle training

You can encourage your child to cycle safely and confidently by getting them some Bikeability cycle training. Most local councils provide Bikeability training for children at local schools. Some schools also offer Bikeability training directly. Your child will learn to control their bike and make a trip safely on quiet roads by completing level one and two of Bikeability.

• Cycle training (travel and transport section)

• Where you can use your bike (travel and transport section)