Links:
Example cycling policy   |   Benefits of active school travel

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Teachers

There are so many reasons why more children should cycle to school.

Research shows that children who cycle are more:

• confident
• independent
• alert in the classroom.

Children who cycle to school arrive brighter and are readier to learn than those who travel by car. Also, just 15 minutes cycling to and from school makes a real difference to health and fitness levels including improved bone strength, joints and muscle tone.

Even a small number of pupils cycling would help reduce the peak hour congestion and cut down the pollution the 'school run' generates in Leighton Buzzard, Linslade and Heath and Reach. Leaving the car at home for just one day a week can cut congestion and pollution by 20%. Parents will also save money on petrol and car-running costs.

Allison, the GoCycle Schools Officer is working with all local schools to promote cycling and is coordinating the delivery of a variety of services which include:

• Cycle parking
  Every school in Leighton-Linslade has benefited from investment in new cycle parking during 2009.
• Cycle training
  A programme of Bikeability training is underway. The GoCycle commitment is to offer:
• Bikeability Level 1 training to every Year 4 pupil
• Bikeability Level 2 training to every Year 6 pupil, and pupils currently in Years 7 and 8 who missed out when they were in Year 6
• Bikeability Level 3 training to every Year 9 pupil
• Developing safer routes to school
• Setting up cycle trains
• Running cycle to school promotions
• Establishing Bike Clubs and after school activities, including Go-Ride sessions
• Helping schools to update and deliver their School Travel Plans

Contact Allison on 01525 635114 or by emailing allison.jeavons@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk for the dates when training is scheduled for your school. Allison would also love to hear from you if you have ideas on how to promote cycling or would like to be involved in GoCycle's exciting programme for schools.