More children cycling to school as Brent's Active Travel Programme grows

Cycling is an affordable, environmentally sustainable way to get around the borough and a great way to boost both physical and mental wellbeing.

Pupils at St Robert Southwell Catholic Primary School in Kingsbury have experienced these benefits first-hand through a Bike Bus initiative launched in March this year.

A Bike Bus is a weekly, family-friendly group cycle to school along a set route, supported by parent volunteers who help keep everyone safe at key junctions.

Since launching on 20 March, the Bike Bus has run every Friday, with 20-30 children and parents taking part each week. The initiative has helped the school achieve around 70 per cent of pupils travelling actively across the school week, contributing to an impressive 1,174 pupil-powered journeys - supporting both their health and a cleaner environment.

To celebrate the success of the Bike Bus, Brent Council hosted an Active Travel event alongside the official opening of the school’s new, expanded cycle shelter, provided by the council to support the growing number of young cyclists. 73 participants joined St Roberts Southwell Bike Bus on 20th June including some special guests Hamish Belding from the Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust and active travel advocate Robert ‘Rasta Rolla’, who entertained pupils with his Penny Farthing.

To further support the school’s cycling culture, the council has delivered a range of initiatives, including Dr Bike maintenance sessions, provision of balance bikes, and early years training to help teachers deliver cycling sessions. The school has also been supported to take part in national initiatives such as Sustrans’ Big Walk and Wheel challenge, and to establish its own FRideDays Bike Bus in partnership with the Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust.

Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport & Public Realm, said:

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people in Brent choosing to cycle and building healthy habits for life. The Bike Bus at St Robert Southwell is a brilliant example of how schools, families and communities can come together to make active travel safe, fun and accessible.”

Councillor Liz Dixon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to see the impact of this initiative. Helping people build more physical activity into their daily lives is vital for improving wellbeing and reducing long-term health conditions, while cleaner air supports better health for everyone in our borough.”

The success of the Bike Bus will also help inform future walking and cycling improvements as part of Brent’s developing Active Travel Network Plan.

Brent Council offers a range of services to support residents at every stage of their cycling journey. Many of the children taking part in the Bike Bus learnt to ride or developed their skills through the council’s free cycling instructor scheme.

Residents who are new to cycling can also take advantage of the Try Before You Bike scheme, offering a high-quality bike, accessories, theft insurance and free delivery for a low monthly fee.

The Bike Nest is available across the borough, with residents able to request access to dedicated parking units. Brent Council has recently installed 70 new units using Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding.

Anyone interested in starting a Bike Bus at their school or wanting to find out more about cycling in Brent, can contact the council’s Cycling Officer at cycling@brent.gov.uk.