Active Travel for Schools Toolkit

Our new School Active Travel Toolkit which has been created by Active Essex, Essex County Council, Essex County Council’s Cycle Training Team and Safer Greener Healthier, offers schools guidance on promoting active travel to enhance student well-being and reduce traffic congestion. It outlines the benefits of walking, cycling, and scooting, including improved academic performance and mental health.

The toolkit provides resources for activities like Bikeability, walking buses, and initiatives such as Street Tag and The Daily Mile. Schools can also access support for travel planning, safety improvements, and earn national accreditation, helping create healthier, more sustainable school environments.

Why promote active travel to school?

Schools should support active travel to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions. Walking, cycling, or scootering to school encourages physical activity, improving students’ overall health, focus, and academic performance. It also fosters independence and teaches road safety.

By reducing the number of cars around schools, active travel minimizes traffic-related risks and pollution, creating safer, cleaner environments. Schools can support these efforts by promoting safe routes, providing bike storage, and collaborating with local authorities to improve infrastructure. The active travel toolkit offers strategies and resources to help schools implement these initiatives effectively and sustainably.

What else does Active Essex offer to Schools?

Active Essex offers additional support to schools to promote physical activity through various programmes, resources, and partnerships. These include school sports initiatives, teacher training, and grants for equipment or facilities. Our goal is to improve student well-being, encourage lifelong activity habits, and create healthier school environments for all children.

As well as our Active Travel Toolkit, we also have a whole host of other support to help schools get active. You can see some of these below!

For more information on Move With Us, contact the team below!