Active travel to school

Active travel means walking, scooting or cycling to school. 

Travelling actively to school can:

  • improve health, fitness and concentration
  • help students feel more relaxed after school
  • build confidence and independence 
  • improve road safety around schools

It also reduces: 

  • air pollution and carbon emissions 
  • traffic and congestion near schools 

For short journeys it can be a quicker and cheaper way to travel. 

Information for schools and parents

We offer advice, tools and support to help schools and families encourage active travel to school.

Use the links below to find out more about:

Activities and resources for schools

We offer a range of resources to support active travel, including:

  • workshops for Years 3 to 9
  • activities and incentives to encourage active travel
  • anti-idling and park away campaign toolkits
  • help to set up a Park and Stride sites or zones
  • school-specific active travel maps
  • banners to promote active travel
  • information for school websites and newsletters

Modeshift STARS

A free national accreditation scheme that helps schools develop a travel plan.

We support schools from sign up through to outstanding level.

You can find out how Modeshift STARS has made a difference at The Castle School in Thornbury, who were the first secondary school to achieve ‘good’ and then progress to ‘outstanding’.

Your school may already meet some criteria through:

  • road safety workshops
  • pedestrian training
  • Bikeability cycle training

School Streets

The School Streets scheme temporarily closes the road outside a school to most vehicles. This happens at the start and end of the school day.

By reducing traffic at the busiest times it improves safety, health and air quality. It also helps to reduce congestion for the local community.

Access is still maintained for Blue Badge holders, emergency services and residents living within the zone.

We currently have School Streets in place at:

Our newest School Street at Frenchay Primary School is being progressed through consultation and a trial. You can find out more on our consultation website.

We are working to increase School Streets across the area, subject to funding and local support. Schools can email us to be considered.

Find out more about the School Streets scheme on their website.

Walking part of your journey

If the school is too far to walk, you can drive part of the way and park a short distance from the school and then walk the rest of the journey.

Your child will get some exercise and you can still drive to work after you have dropped them off.  If you have the time, you can do the same when you pick them up.

You could do this regularly or just once a week.

Travelling with others

You could take turns with other families to walk children to school.

Arrange walking or cycling groups for older children.

Helping your child stay safe

You can teach your child how to spot potential dangers and practice road safety together.

Ask your school about road safety workshops including pedestrian and cycling training. 

You can use OpenStreetMap or Google maps to plan a safer route on quieter roads, cycle paths and footpaths.

Cycling

Regularly check that your child’s bike is safe for them to ride. Use simple maintenance, such as the M check.

Ask your school about Bikeability training if your child needs more confidence when riding their bike.

Other things that can help

Contact us

Email sustravel4schools@southglos.gov.uk for information and advice, including Modeshift STARS accreditation, or to book any of our resources.

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