Cycling trips

Cycling trips

About this activity

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

NB: We’re bringing together all the TfL education programmes, including STARS, under one exciting new umbrella programme called TfL Travel for Life. They will be the same great programmes but with a new name and a new look, easier online process and dedicated support team. STARS for primary schools will be renamed TfL Explorers. STARS for secondary schools will be renamed TfL Pioneers

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 conjuntion with a Dr Bike session.

Activity steps

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)
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
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
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
5
Tell your story
Sign in to TfL Travel for Life to add your story and include pupils’ feedback. Explain the activity and add photos and any posters, promotional materials and risk assessments. Feedback to your borough officer

Tags

  • Cycling

This activity counts towards:

  • Travel activity

How it helps

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

Resources

Useful links, templates and case studies to support this activity