Cycle to School Week 2025: Let’s Get Sussex Moving

At Active Sussex, we know that active pupils make stronger students. That’s why we work with schools across the county to embed physical activity and opportunities to move throughout the school day – helping every child to enjoy the health, wellbeing, and learning benefits that come with being active.

The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines (2019) are clear:
“Performing regular physical activity is associated with improved attainment, concentration, and learning, improved mental health, and a healthier weight status.”

However, the benefits don’t have to wait until PE or break time. Schools can make a real difference before school starts by promoting and supporting active travel to school.

Why active travel matters

When families choose to walk, wheel, cycle, or scoot to school:

• Children arrive more energised, alert, and ready to learn.
• Parents and carers save money on fuel and transport costs.
• Everyone benefits from reduced congestion and cleaner air around school gates.
• Communities become safer, healthier, and happier places to live and learn.

Many teachers tell us they notice a marked improvement in pupils’ readiness to learn when they arrive actively, compared to being dropped off by car. The difference is clear, and it benefits the whole school community.

Cycle to School Week 2025

This year’s Cycle to School Week takes place from Monday, October 13 to Friday, October 17 2025.

It’s the perfect opportunity for schools across Sussex to kick-start or re-energise their active travel efforts early in the academic year.

By getting involved, schools can:

• Encourage more pupils and families to travel actively.
• Access a range of free resources, including classroom activities for Early Years to KS2, posters, promotional materials, and more.
• Join a national movement inspiring children to discover the fun, freedom, and independence of cycling.

Taking part is simple. Schools and families can make a pledge such as:

• “Inspire my pupils to cycle to school”
• “Cycle to school every day”
• “Swap one car journey for cycling”

Each pledge helps build momentum towards a healthier, greener, more active future.
Make your pledge and access resources here: www.bikeability.org.uk/cycletoschoolweek

Support for Sussex schools

At Active Sussex, we’re here to help schools go further. If you’d like additional free support to establish or grow active travel at your school, please get in touch: dtaylor@activesussex.org

Together, we can make active travel the norm in Sussex and help every child to move more, feel better, and be ready to learn.