Children who ride, children who read: it’s the National Year of Reading!

Thursday 5 March 2026 marks World Book Day, the annual celebration of reading! This year is extra special, as The Bikeability Trust is pledging our support to the National Year of Reading’s Go All In campaign – which aims to get the nation reading by reconnecting books with the other activities that inspire us. We’ve already kicked things off by launching a bimonthly book club for staff to connect, unwind and discover each other’s favourite genres.

The Go All In ethos is “if you’re into it, read into it”: and having trained almost 6 million children with lifelong cycling skills, it’s fair to say that we’re into cycling! Below, discover what links reading and cycling to help children thrive, plus a roundup of our favourite cycling-themed books.

Children who ride, children who read: vital life skills that help children flourish

Research from children’s reading charity BookTrust shows that reading boosts confidence, wellbeing and creativity, with particularly strong benefits for disadvantaged children; while reading charity The Reading Agency says that reading for pleasure is a key driver for children’s cognitive development.

Through its own research, The Bikeability Trust has shown that cycle training helps young people thrive: Bikeability positively impacts year 6 pupils’ propensity to cycle, and those who complete Bikeability Level 2 (on-the-road cycle training) report greater subjective wellbeing and are more likely to make journeys by cycling and walking. Together, skills such as reading and cycling help children build independence and create a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Go All In: The Bikeability Trust staff picks for the National Year of Reading

The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

“My mum reminded me I used to love reading The Jolly Postman – he cycles around fairytale land dropping off letters to all the classic fairy-tale characters like the Three Bears, Cinderella and the Big Bad Wolf. The book is interactive so you can open letters and push envelopes through their doors, and each stop gives you a peek into what the characters are up to after their original stories ended. It’s very sweet!” says Research and Insights Analyst Rosa Shirm.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels by Quentin Blake

“I’m a fan of this charmingly illustrated cycling story,” says Director of Training and Quality Kieron McNab, “which even involves some basic cycle repair techniques. It shows that all you need for an incredible active travel adventure is a cycle.”

Piglettes by Clémentine Beauvais

“My pick is the French Young Adult novel Piglettes by Clémentine Beauvais – winner of the 2016 Prix Sorcières [France’s biggest children’s book prize],” says Media Officer Harriet Reuter Hapgood. “It combines long-distance cycling with feminism and, for some reason, sausages, as three teen girls set out on a road trip to Paris by cycle.”

Sigrid Rides: The Story of an Extraordinary Friendship and An Adventure on Two Wheels, by Travis Nelson

“The story behind one of my favourite social media accounts – it’s all about how cycling saved someone from loneliness and discombobulation and the way cycling can help you explore and discover a city. Plus, who doesn’t love a cat who cycles?” says Senior Social Media Manager (and cat person) Adam Freeburn.

You can discover more of our deep dives into cycling and pop culture with Hey Cycle! Representations of cycling on children’s TV: Why we are what we watch and how on-screen active travel matters.

Ready to get cycling? Find your nearest cycle training programme here.