Leadership on cycling
Transport researcher Hamish Mackie says the identification and promotion of safe routes could be an action to include in a school's travel plan.
Hamish has researched barriers to cycling in intermediate schools and continues to keep an eye on the school cycling scene.
He says parents are often the decision-makers about whether a child can cycle to school, and they won't change their mind without reason. Letting them know about safe routes is one way to get them on board.
Schools will need a staff or community member to be responsible for identifying a school cycle network, a set of the safest routes through the surrounding area. This might include quiet side streets, parks and other pathways.
“From there, it becomes about promotion and education,” says Hamish.
He says once more students travel on an identified network, motorists will be more aware of their presence and this too could improve safety.
Hamish says schools with a strong cycling culture often have senior staff members exerting leadership on the matter.
Leaders can use their position to communicate that the school values cycling. They can ensure there are clear rules that support safety. They can also back infrastructure upgrades, such as placing bike sheds near the front of school grounds where they are more visible and less of a target for thieves or vandals.
“Another thing is role modelling, which is incredibly important in behaviour change. Try getting some staff or parents to cycle to school.”
Read a research report by Hamish Mackie on overcoming barriers to cycling to intermediate school.
Schools might also like to investigate cyclist skills training for their students to teach cycle safety skills and how to ride safely in traffic. More information is available from the NZTA and a list of qualified instructors is available from BikeNZ