More School Kids to Get on Their Bikes in 2009
With childhood obesity high on the agenda, many schools have adopted cycling policies this year.
Getting more children cycling to school is seen as the magic bullet for improving their health, lowering traffic congestion and benefiting the wider community.
It's estimated that over 50% of children get less than the recommended one hour's daily exercise.
This means that most children aren't doing enough to combat obesity or prevent health problems later on in life.
Cycling to school is an activity that can provide children with the exercise they need, as well as many other benefits.
Cycling can increase a child's sense of independence, self confidence and many schools with cycling policies have reported that pupils become more energised and alert in lessons.
Studies in the US and UK have both found links between regular exercise and improved academic performance in tests.
Cutting pollution, the rising cost of petrol and traffic congestion are also problems that could be combated by encouraging parents not to drive their kids into school.
Most children own bikes, but it's estimated that only 1% actually ride them to school despite 30% saying they'd like to.
In order to encourage more pupils onto their bikes, schools will need to introduce a cycling policy that covers the following:
With green initiatives high on every school's agenda, you can expect to see many more children cycling to school this spring.
Stats provided by Bike It - a cycling-to-school scheme supported by Cycling England, the Education Department and Department of Health.
Getting more children cycling to school is seen as the magic bullet for improving their health, lowering traffic congestion and benefiting the wider community.
It's estimated that over 50% of children get less than the recommended one hour's daily exercise.
This means that most children aren't doing enough to combat obesity or prevent health problems later on in life.
Cycling to school is an activity that can provide children with the exercise they need, as well as many other benefits.
Cycling can increase a child's sense of independence, self confidence and many schools with cycling policies have reported that pupils become more energised and alert in lessons.
Studies in the US and UK have both found links between regular exercise and improved academic performance in tests.
Cutting pollution, the rising cost of petrol and traffic congestion are also problems that could be combated by encouraging parents not to drive their kids into school.
Most children own bikes, but it's estimated that only 1% actually ride them to school despite 30% saying they'd like to.
In order to encourage more pupils onto their bikes, schools will need to introduce a cycling policy that covers the following:
- Promotes rules on responsible cycling behaviour and guidance on safety.
- Provides cycling proficiency training, such as the Bikeability scheme, to ensure pupils will be safe on busy roads.
- Establishes a cycle permit agreement that clarifies the school's liability and the responsibilities of pupils.
This would be signed by parents or guardians, and would be required for access to the school's bike storage facilities.
With green initiatives high on every school's agenda, you can expect to see many more children cycling to school this spring.
Stats provided by Bike It - a cycling-to-school scheme supported by Cycling England, the Education Department and Department of Health.
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