CfSC policy: Benefits of cycling and walking to school

Citizens for Safe Cycling believes that cycling is an appropriate means of transportation for all ages, barring physical limitations. In particular, we strongly encourage children to cycle to schools and other destinations, once they have achieved the cognitive skills and training needed to safely navigate a bicycle in traffic, and with the understanding that the nature and length of their trips not exceed their physical stamina and abilities.

When children cycle, they:

• become physically fit and avoid obesity, at a time when health professionals are warning that many children are at risk for obesity;
• are assured of the daily moderate activity they need for health, an activity they may or may not get at school owing to physical education cutbacks;
• improve their ability to learn in school, through increased fitness and increased concentration made possible by reducing their excess physical energy by exercising beforehand;
• become more aware of their surroundings and more confident in navigating through their neighbourhoods;
• gain new experiences and knowledge not available through the windows of a car or bus;
• learn to consider cycling part of one's daily life, setting a pattern for lifelong bicycle use and fitness;
• learn how to navigate in traffic and respect other vehicle operators from an early age;
• gain confidence in their daily lives from having mastered a useful skill, and from improving their skill and endurance over time.

Most of these benefits also apply to walking; cycling is faster than walking, can provide more vigorous exercise, and allows the child to travel longer distances. However, children could combine these modes by walking to school in the winter and cycling in better weather.

Increasing the number of children who cycle or walk to school also reduces the number of parents dropping their children off at school by private automobile, which endangers other children, wastes fuel, worsens air pollution, and reduces the quality of life in the neighbourhoods driven in.

Approved by the CfSC Board, 2000 October 5