On your bike! Get pupils involved in active travel

02 March, 2017

An exciting initiative is on offer right now for schools keen to encourage more of their pupils to escape the usual morning traffic jam by walking, cycling or scooting to school.

The Active Schools Travel Programme aims to increase ‘active’ travel to school and create a school culture which promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages sustainable living. It is run by Sustrans, a leading UK charity that enables people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of their daily journeys.

If your school is already involved in the GLP, taking part in the Active Schools Travel Programme can contribute to your work on a number of key global learning themes, including sustainability and the environment. The programme also complements Eco-Schools participation, particularly if your school is focusing on the Transport, Healthy Living and Climate Change topics.

Not only is the programme free, but participating schools will have a dedicated Sustrans Active Travel Officer to help co-ordinate a range of activities, events and curriculum lessons. Over a period of three years, your school will gradually take on more responsibility for integrating sustainable travel into the school environment.

The programme is mainly aimed at primary schools, however post-primaries are welcome to take part as well. Please note that priority will be given to geographical clusters of schools and proximity to where Active Travel Officers are based, so if you are interested in signing up, it’s advisable to get in touch with neighbouring schools too and encourage them to get on board!

To find out more about the programme, you can check out the FAQs on the Sustrans website. Click here to register for the programme. Schools are currently being sought to take part from September 2017 onwards.

The deadline for applications is Friday 7 April 2017. Don't miss out!