Cycle to School Week 2025: Getting to School Just Got Awesome!
Mark your calendars! From Monday 13 to Friday 17 October, schools across Southampton, Portsmouth (and beyond) are invited to join in on Cycle to School Week 2025. This initiative, championed by Bikeability, encourages children and their parents or carers to swap the school car run for a bike ride.
Get pedal ready and enjoy all the benefits along the way—saving money, boosting health, and helping the environment.
The Growing Cycling Movement
The momentum behind cycling to school is building rapidly. Bikeability data shows that over half a million children received training in 2024, with the ambitious goal of reaching over one million this year. However, Department for Transport statistics reveal that currently only 1 in 10 cycle trips are to school - imagine the positive impact we could create by increasing this number!
This represents a huge opportunity. With proper training and encouragement, many more families could discover the benefits of cycling to school, creating healthier communities and more confident young cyclists.
Why Cycle to School?
Boosts Physical Health: Regular cycling helps improve cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle, and can enhance overall physical health in children. It's an easy way for them to get some of their recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
Enhances Mental Wellbeing: Starting the day with a dose of fresh air and physical activity can boost mood and mental alertness, leading to more focused and engaged students in the classroom.
Promotes Independence and Skills: Cycling to school teaches children road safety and navigational skills, promoting independence and confidence outside the home.
Reduces Environmental Impact: By choosing bikes over cars for the school run, families can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Fewer cars on the road mean less congestion and pollution, making our communities cleaner and greener.
Saves Money: With rising fuel costs and parking fees, cycling offers a cost-effective alternative to driving. Once you have a bike, the ongoing costs are minimal compared to running a car.
Builds Life Skills: From planning routes and checking weather to maintaining bikes and developing time management skills, cycling to school teaches valuable life lessons.
Cycle to School with Pedal Power Training
At Pedal Power Training Ltd, we're passionate about making cycling accessible and safe for all. During Cycle to School Week, we'll be right there in the community, supporting schools with our expert Bikeability training. Whether your child is just starting or they're looking to refine their cycling skills, our trainers are here to help.
Our comprehensive training programmes ensure children have the confidence and competence to cycle safely to school and beyond. From mastering basic bike handling skills to navigating complex road situations, we provide the foundation for safe, lifelong cycling.
Make Your Pledge for 2025
Last year, thousands of families and schools pledged to swap the school run for pedal power. This year, it's your turn! Making a pledge gives you access to everything you'll need to bring some fun to the school run, plus the chance to win huge cycling prizes.
Cycle to School Week 2025 is proudly supported by NatWest Rooster Money. Just like everyone at Bikeability, they believe in reinforcing positive behaviours from a young age, to instil confidence and independence.
The brilliant organisations that are also getting behind Cycle to School Week, 2025
Getting Ready for Cycle to School Week
Check Your Bikes: Ensure bikes are roadworthy with properly inflated tyres, working brakes, and functioning lights. Don't forget helmets and high-vis clothing or sashes.
Practice Makes Perfect: If it's been a while since your child cycled to school, practice the route together during weekends
Plan Your Route: Work with your child to identify the safest, most enjoyable route to school. Consider quiet roads, cycle paths, and areas with good visibility.
Consider the Weather: October weather can be unpredictable. Have waterproof clothing ready and discuss what to do if conditions aren't suitable for cycling.
Join the Community: Encourage other families to participate. Cycling to school is more fun and safer when done as a group.
Parents and Carers, Join In!
We encourage parents and carers to consider the roads less travelled by car and more by bike. Not only will you be setting a fantastic example for your children, but you'll also reap the health and environmental benefits for yourself. Cycling to work after dropping the children at school can transform your daily commute into an energising start to the day.
Building Cycling Confidence
If your family is new to cycling or if your child needs to build their confidence before Cycle to School Week, consider booking a session with Pedal Power Training. Our experienced instructors can help develop the skills needed for safe, confident cycling in your local area.
We can offer:
Individual and group training sessions
Route-specific training
Advanced skills development
Family cycling confidence building
The Bigger Picture
Cycle to School Week is more than just five days of cycling—it's about inspiring lasting change. When families experience the benefits of cycling to school, many continue long after the school week ends. This creates healthier communities, reduces traffic congestion around schools, and helps children develop positive relationships with physical activity.
The event also builds community spirit. Schools that embrace Cycle to School Week often see increased collaboration between families, improved road safety awareness, and a greater sense of shared responsibility for children's wellbeing.
Make This October Awesome
Together we can make the school journey an active, enjoyable, and sustainable part of our children's day. Whether your child is a confident cyclist or just starting their journey, Cycle to School Week offers the perfect opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of cycling.
Ready to make your pledge and join thousands of families in making the school run more active and sustainable? Visit the Bikeability website to sign up and be part of this fantastic initiative.
Remember: every journey starts with a single pedal stroke. Let's make Cycle to School Week 2025 the beginning of many cycling adventures for your family!
