Nearly half a million pupils take part in Cycle to School Week! 

Nearly half a million pupils committed to cycling to school as part of Cycle to School Week 2025 last week.

We smashed previous records this year, with a total of 427,596 Cycle to School pledges.

Cycle to School Week aims to instil healthy habits from a young age, encouraging children and families to cycle to school instead of driving.

There were a range of pledges to choose from, including a commitment to cycle to school every day during the week, going on a cycle ride with your family, or using Cycle to School Week classroom resources.

Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of the Bikeability Trust, said:  

“Cycle to School Week celebrates cycling as the fun and planet-friendly alternative to school-run traffic jams. We know that embedding positivity towards cycling in the primary school years sets children up for lifelong participation. With 427,596 pledges, this is our most successful event yet, proving the perfect opportunity for children to discover the benefits of cycling to school with their friends, helping them towards happier and healthier lifestyles.”

Positive impacts on health and the planet

Currently, around 3.3 million children are being driven to school, about 541,000 more than in 2004, based on Department for Education figures on pupil numbers. This increase adds up to an extra 133,860 metric tonnes of carbon emissions created annually, so initiatives like Cycle to School Week are vital to help counteract the negative impact on the planet.

Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, said:

“Cycling to school is a fantastic way for children to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. It not only supports physical and mental wellbeing, but also helps to reduce traffic, cut carbon emissions, and ease pressure on the NHS – a key part of our Plan for Change. During Cycle to School Week, I encourage families to take part and experience the many benefits of travelling by bike, helping to create a cleaner, healthier future for us all.”

Visits from MPs, Active Travel commissioners and more!

This year we were delighted to welcome 27 MPs and councillors, and four Active Travel commissioners, to schools across England as part of Cycle to School Week.

This included a visit from Olympic cyclist and Active Travel Commissioner for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Ed Clancy OBE, who helped 27 children learn to ride at Tinsley Meadows Primary School.

Ed Clancy, Active Travel Commissioner for South Yorkshire said:

“It was brilliant to see how much energy and enthusiasm the kids at Tinsley Meadows brought to the session. I believe every child should have the freedom to choose whether to walk, scoot, or bike to school – it’s a great way to stay active, build confidence and healthy habits for life. The Mayor’s Walk and Wheel Challenge is all about making moving more fun and easy, and this workshop was a cracking example of that in action.”

We also had visits from Active Travel Commissioners Chris Boardman CBE, Dame Sarah Storey and Beccy Marston, and MPs including Dame Harriet Baldwin, Dr Peter Swallow, Lillian Greenwood, Claire Young, Sadik Al-Hassan and Edward Morello.

A record number of pupil pledges

This year’s Cycle to School Week saw 428,081 pledges from pupils, who swapped car pedals for bike pedals on their way to school.

National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said:

“I’ve spoken to thousands of pupils across the country over the years, and every time I’ve asked who would like to cycle to school more, I’ve seen a sea of hands go up in the air. Cycle to School Week is a brilliant opportunity for kids to start the day active, energised and ready to learn, and we hope to see as many families as possible taking part this year.

“It’s also fantastic to see the release of the new Bike Bus guidance, which will help more pupils and their parents enjoy a safe, sociable and fun way to get to classes together. It’s what the kids want, and what we want for them.”

What’s next?

We’re already excited for next year’s Cycle to School Week where we’re aiming to hit half a million pledges! Cycling to school isn’t just reserved for one week though – we’d love to see children and families cycling to school all year round.

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This year’s Cycle to School Week saw 427,596 pledges from 697 individuals and 508 schools.