Cycle to School Week 2025: How to Ride, Learn, and Make It Stick

Cycle to School Week 2025: How to Ride, Learn, and Make It Stick

Dates: 13–17 October 2025

Why Cycle to School Week Matters

Every autumn, families across the UK swap the car drop-off for pedals and push forward a vision of healthier, greener journeys. From 13–17 October 2025, Cycle to School Week returns, led by Bikeability Trust, and it’s more than just a week of rides. It’s a collective nudge toward rethinking how our children move, learn independence, and engage with their communities.

Whether your family already rides regularly or you’re just considering your first school run by bike, this week is your invitation to give it a go. You can:

  • Get free resources, pledges, and chances to win prizes for your school or class
  • Access family cycling guidance through Bikeability
  • Be part of a national story: over 260,000 pledges are already supporting the week

 

What’s New for 2025

Cycle to School Week continues to grow each year, and 2025 brings fresh energy and ideas:

  • Pledges & prizes: Families and schools that sign up receive a free Pledge Pack with classroom resources, activities, and entry into draws for prizes from sponsors like Squish Bikes.
  • National attention: Over 47 MPs plan to attend local cycling sessions this October. Friday 17th is officially the “constituency day” for visits and media coverage.
  • Training at scale: Bikeability delivered 500,000 training places in 2024–25, totalling 2.8 million hours of cycling by pupils.
  • Big picture: Nearly 6 million children across the UK have now been trained since the programme began.

 

The Benefits of Cycling to School


Health & Wellbeing

Daily cycling gives children a head start on physical and mental wellbeing. It helps them burn energy, stay active, and arrive at school focused and ready to learn. It also builds independence and confidence as they navigate their route.

Reduced Congestion

School runs are responsible for around a quarter of peak-hour traffic in cities. Even a small shift to cycling or scooting helps ease congestion and reduce pollution around school gates.

Environmental Impact

Short car journeys are disproportionately high in emissions. Switching to two wheels for a 2-mile school trip can save significant CO₂ over a term and teach kids lifelong sustainable habits.

 

 

How to Get Started

Choose the Right Bike and Gear

  • Find the right size bike for your child’s height and age
  • Check helmets fit securely and meet safety standards
  • Pack essentials: lights, high-vis clothing, bell, and lock

Plan a Safe Route

  • Test your route on a weekend or quiet time first
  • Use traffic-free paths or quiet residential roads when possible
  • Have backup routes for bad weather or busy mornings

Make It Routine

  • Do the “ABC” check: Air, Brakes & Chain  before every ride
  • Lay out clothing and bags the night before
  • Start with one or two rides a week and build from there

 

Safety First

Safety is the foundation of confident riding. These simple habits make every ride smoother:

  • Ride visibly. Take a clear position on the road and make eye contact with drivers
  • Signal early when turning or changing position
  • Slow down near schools, crossings, and gates
  • Lead by example: calm, predictable riding builds trust and safety

Consider signing up for Bikeability training. Most children who complete it report higher confidence, and parents say they’re more likely to encourage cycling afterwards.

 

Make It Fun

Keeping it enjoyable helps children see cycling as play, not a chore. Try:

  • 5-day streak challenges with small rewards
  • “Spot the landmark” bingo sheets
  • Badges or certificates for milestones
  • Riding with friends or neighbours to make it social

 

For Schools and Teachers

Schools are key to making active travel normal. Here’s how they can join in:

  • Sign the pledge: Register on the Bikeability site to get free classroom resources and promotional materials
  • Host activities: Encourage cycle-to-school competitions or “bike breakfasts”
  • Improve facilities: Add bike racks, scooter bays, or safe waiting areas
  • Involve pupils: Use Junior Active Travel Inspectors to audit routes and share findings with local councils

 

Common Barriers and How to Beat Them

Concern

Tip

“Traffic feels unsafe.”

Start on quieter roads, practise together, and progress gradually.

“The weather will ruin it.”

Pack waterproof layers, lights, and gloves. It's easier than you think.

“It takes longer.”

For many 1–3 mile trips, bikes are just as quick once parking and queues are considered.

“My child’s too young.”

Start with a balance bike like our YOMO 12, then build up distance together.

 

 

Beyond the Week

Cycle to School Week can spark habits that last all year:

  • Continue with “Wheel Wednesdays” or termly challenges
  • Track group progress. This could be miles, CO₂ saved, or money saved
  • Share success stories in newsletters and assemblies
  • Encourage refresher Bikeability sessions or community rides

 

Take the Pledge & Join the Movement

Ready to roll? Make your family or school pledge for Cycle to School Week 2025 today and join thousands across the UK who are helping make school journeys greener and healthier.

Make your pledge: bikeability.org.uk/cycletoschoolweek

Share your rides with #RideWithYOMO or tag @yomobikes - We’d love to feature your photos!

 

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