London Borough of Enfield

George Spicer Primary School

Gold accredited

Biking at break

Biking at break

About this activity

Suitable for primary 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.

Biking at break time sessions give pupils a set time and space in which to develop their cycling skills. It encourages active play and motivates pupils to ride their bikes into school.

If your pupils don’t have easy access to bikes, consider setting up a pool bikes and scooters scheme and speak with your borough officer about your eligibility for local authority funding.

If your pupils do have their own bikes, you could offer a monthly Dr Bike session as an extra incentive.

Adapt this activity to 'Scooting at break' sessions if scooters are more popular among your pupils.

Running the activity

You can run biking at break sessions as often as you like, though it works well when held on the same day once a week. 

Make sure you have plenty of staff available to supervise the activity and to set up the cycling area. This could be a coned-off section of the playground or, if available, a caged pitch. You could also set up an obstacle course or track with cones for cyclists to follow.

This activity can be adapted for use at SEND schools - see how Castlebar and Riverside schools made their playgrounds peddle-friendly for their pupils. 

 

Activity steps

1
Promote biking at break
Send out an information letter to parents and carers with a permission slip to complete and promote the activity in your school’s communications
2
Get ready
Set up your cycling area. This could be a cornered-off section of the playground or full obstacle course
3
Speed control
Make sure you have your dedicated staff on hand to supervise the area and ensure everyone sticks to the speed limit!
4
Check for success
Ask your pupils how they find the sessions and note any impact the activity has had on the numbers cycling or scooting to school
5
Tell your story
Sign in to TfL Travel for Life website to add your story and include pupils’ feedback. Explain the activity and add photos and any posters or promotional materials. Feedback to your borough officer

Tags

  • Cycling

This activity counts towards:

  • Travel activity

How it helps

  • Supports the PE National Curriculum
  • Builds cycling confidence

Resources

Useful links, templates and case studies to support this activity