TOP 10 questions we get asked about Sustrans Bike It
Have a question you don't see here? Please email either Gail or Eric from the contact page
01
Is Sustrans Bike It similar to Bikeability?
We work with the school year round to increase sustainable journeys. We do not offer Bikeability training, although we have good links with organisations that do, such as Outspoken and Riding A Bike. Instead we offer skills training for Reception to Year 5:
learn to ride and balance bike sessions for year 1-2
bike skills on the playground for year 3-4
led rides, maintenance training and cycle clubs for year 5-6
02
Is there any cost to the school?
There is no cost to the school at any time for any event. Bike It is funded by TravelChoice money through Peterborough City Council.
03
What do you do at schools?
Activities and events that promote cycling, scooting and walking to school. Reduce barriers, increase skills and confidence, promote safety, create a positive image around cycling, reduce parental concerns.
04
What are the key benefits to schools taking part?
Reduced congestion, healthier and more alert pupils, higher exam results, safer and cleaner school environment, increased interaction with parents.
05
Can my school become a Bike It school?
We take on new schools all year round and we are keen to work with any school dedicated to improving walking, scooting and cycling-to-school numbers. However, we do tend to concentrate on acquiring schools in specific areas each year so please get in touch to discuss this further.
06
How do schools become a Bike It school?
After meeting to discuss Bike It and answer any questions you may have, we sign an agreement form and then we're ready to go. An introduction assembly and a travel survey usually follow soon afterwards.
07
How long do you work with a school?
We work with schools throughout the school year and there is currently no set period of time on when to stop supporting schools. However, we do aim to provide schools with the necessary experience, tools and training to run similar events themselves.
08
How much time will you spend at our school?
Newer schools and more experienced ones require different demands on our time. Typically newer schools spend three days a term on Bike It events. More experienced schools may spend the same amount of time on Bike It events, but will run two days themselves.
09
What are the time requirements for school staff?
Each school names a staff member or two as 'School Champion' and it becomes their responsibility to communicate and work with a Bike It officer. This typically entails a few emails per term, one planning meeting per term, and time to arrange events within the school.
10
Who decides what activities to run and when?
Schools and Sustrans Officers discuss what is best and create tailored programmes for each school. We appreciate teachers who use their expert knowledge to adapt activities or suggest tie-ins to existing ones run at the school.