At St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School, we actively encourage children to walk, cycle or scooter to school. Travelling to school in this way can help keep students healthy and active, while making the school run more fun, reducing traffic congestion and pressures on parking and also helping the environment.
It is the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that helmets and appropriate clothing are worn, especially in the dark. Parents/carers should check that bicycles are roadworthy and in good working order, including the tyres, lights and brakes.
Here are some top tips to stay safe whilst travelling to and from school:
- Find an easy, quiet route.
Take a smooth, flat route if possible. Don't be put off by a less direct route compared to a busy, direct one. - Practise the route at the weekend first.
Take some time at the weekend to practise, explore different routes, and make sure you know where you are going and how long it will take. - Be prepared.
Mornings are a busy time, so spend some time the night before to prepare. Pack bags and leave helmets ready, so you can get up and go! - Have the correct safety accessories.
A white front light and red rear light (constant or flashing) and reflectors are legal requirements when cycling in the dark. - Storage
Ensure that you store your bicycle or scooter appropriately in the designated area.
If your child is in Year 6 and you give permission for them to travel to and from school independently, please contact the school office for a permission form. All children without permission and in other year groups, should always be supervised by a parent or carer whilst travelling to and from school.
Bicycles and scooters should be walked on and off the school ground.