Enable school children to get to school safely

Worcestershire County Council

Tor Pingree in Green coat pictured with volunteers at St Georges Primary School as part of the Bike Bus

Being active is good for children and good for society. But not all children have the same chance to be active, and that harms their health and wellbeing. This isn’t just about sports or PE lessons—it’s about finding simple ways for children to move more every day.

Walking, wheeling, and cycling to school are great ways for children to stay active. Making it easier and safer for children to travel actively can improve their health, build good habits, and help them concentrate and learn better in school. It’s also good for the planet, cutting emissions and cleaning the air around schools—a big win for children’s health.

When children can travel actively and safely, it improves their health, helps them do better in school, and makes our streets cleaner and quieter whilst supporting families without cars:

1. Happier children
It’s been proven that children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk before school, do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn.

2. Less congestion
During morning peak traffic times, one in five cars on the road are taking children school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.

3. Cleaner air
The school run alone is responsible for generating half a million tonnes of CO2 per year (which is more than some small countries!). Imagine what we could achieve if we began converting some of these rides to strides?

Many families already want to choose active travel. But to make this option work for more families, it must be safe for children. So here’s what we need:
  • Safer routes to school, with segregated cycle paths and well-maintained pavements
  • Safer roads, with slower speeds and more crossing points near schools
  • Facilities like benches, public toilets, and ramps to make walking and wheeling easier for children and parents with additional needs

Together, we can make walking, wheeling, and cycling to school an easy and safe option for every family.


To: Worcestershire County Council
From: [Your Name]

We call for investment in safe walking and cycling routes for all school children. Walking, wheeling or cycling to school is enjoyable and sociable and helps children to be happier, healthier and ready to learn. It also reduces traffic and improves safety by lowering the number of cars on the road and congestion at school entrances.