Cycling trips

Suitable for primary and secondary school pupils. Supports the PE National Curriculum.

Overview

Education phase

Early years Key stage 2 Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Key stage 5 Key stage 1

Category of activity

Travel

Types of activity

Cycling

How it helps

Supports the PE National Curriculum
Builds cycling confidence
Allows children to explore their local environment
Encourages parental participation

Useful Links

Cycle Routes Order free cycling routes and maps Join an organised bike ride Find out about running a Dr Bike session

About the activity

Cycling trips help develop pupils' cycling skills and confidence on the road as they explore their local area, or further afield.

If your pupils have completed their Bikeability training, running a cycling trip gives them an opportunity to put what they've learnt into practice.

Ideas for trips:

A one-hour ride to explore the local area
An outing for year 6 pupils to familiarise themselves with the route to their new secondary school
Weekly local trips as part of an after-school club
A weekend ride with pupils’ families and a picnic
Residential cycling trips during the school holidays
Trips organised around the theme of a national or international event, such as the Tour De France

Some boroughs organise mass ride events - speak to your borough officer to find out if there are any local events your school can take part in.

What you’ll need

Volunteers: Needs will vary depending on your activity route but a guide is one adult for every six pupils taking part
Safety kits: complete risk assessments before the trip takes place, ensure that children wear hi-vis jackets and take a first aid kit with you
Bike maintenance tools

Cycling trips work well in conjunction with a Dr Bike session.

Activity steps

Step 1

Plan your route. Decide on a distance appropriate for your pupils’ age group. Avoid busy roads and plan in refreshment breaks - make use of TfL’s signed cycle routes including Quietways and Cycle Superhighways (see Resources)

Step 2

Promote the trip. Send out an information letter with a permission slip and ask for confirmation that the pupil is capable of cycling on the road. Also promote in assemblies, your newsletter and on notice boards

Step 3

Get roadworthy. Consider holding a Dr Bike event to ensure your pupils’ bikes are roadworthy. On the day, take a basic bike maintenance kit, first aid kit, hi-vis jackets and your participants’ emergency contact details

Step 4

Check for success. Ask participants how they found the trip and whether it will encourage them to cycle more often. Ask what you could do to improve next time

Step 5

Tell your story! Upload your evidence to "my activities"