Pedal towards a safer future on National Ride to School Day
National Ride to School Day is a powerful reminder of cycling's role in fostering healthy habits, reducing traffic congestion, and building sustainable communities. But it is not just a day for students to grab their bikes. It’s an important movement advocating for safer roads and more accessible bicycle infrastructure to support active transport for students across New South Wales.
At Bicycle NSW, we are committed to helping families and children embrace the joy of cycling by addressing the barriers to riding to school.
And with government initiatives now underway - such as the Get Kids Active program which invests $10 million to improve walking, scooting, and riding infrastructure near schools - we’re seeing a significant push to encourage students to choose active transport for their daily commutes.
The best way to get to school! (Image: City of Sydney)
Why Riding to School Matters
Riding to school is a fantastic way for kids to stay active, improve focus, and develop road skills—all while having fun. Plus, replacing car trips with bike rides reduces local traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, making a positive impact on the environment.
Our friends at Better Streets have compiled a great list of reasons why kids should walk and ride to school here.
However, despite the clear benefits, concerns around road safety often deter families from choosing cycling as an option. And that is where Bicycle NSW is stepping in, with several new projects in the pipeline for 2025.
The footpaths outside Willoughby Public School are full of active travellers! (Image: Willoughby City Council)
Bicycle NSW’s advocacy for safer trips to school
We’ve been at the forefront of bicycle riding advocacy for nearly 50 years. Over the years, we have worked on many projects with schools, local councils, and the NSW Government to help kids ride to school.
Some current projects include:
- Collaborating with the Western Sydney Health Alliance to develop Active Travel Plans for 8 schools in 8 council areas. These will identify barriers to active transport, map safe routes to school, recommend infrastructure improvements and create an action plan for councils and schools.
- Advocating for all ages and abilities policies and infrastructure. A good example is the change to the footpath riding age. Now all children can ride safely on paths without fear of traffic.
- Trialling a schools’ digital student bicycle licence with several partner councils.
For more information on Bicycle NSW’s advocacy works, check out our Active Travel to and From School campaign page and these recent articles:
The Belmont community enjoying the Surrey Road Safe Active Street (Image: Transport.wa.gov.au)
How you can get involved
By embracing cycling as a viable transport option, we’re not just creating a culture of active transport. We’re fostering safer, healthier, and more connected communities.
National Ride to School Day is the perfect opportunity to join the movement. Here are some ways to make a difference:
- Encourage your kids to participate by riding to school. Checkout some handy safety tips HERE!
- Support Bicycle NSW’s advocacy by becoming a Member and helping push for safer roads for everyone.
- Speak to your local council about gaps in the walking and cycling paths near your school.
Add your details to this Bicycle NSW form so we can support your school as our Active Transport to School projects ramp up.
Celebrate National Ride to School Day, share your story and WIN
Send in your National Ride to School Day story along with photos to info@bicyclensw.org.au and get a 25% discount off Bicycle NSW Annual Membership including a suite of retail benefits for up to 6 family members!
Join Bicycle NSW and pedal with us towards a safer and more sustainable future!
