Across the UK, school car parks often sit half-empty during the day while students’ bikes are locked to railings, fences, or left at home entirely due to a lack of secure storage. This disparity between infrastructure and student behaviour signals the need for change.
Modeshift STARS, helps schools reduce car use and promote healthy, sustainable journeys. Schools can gain STARS accreditation credits while improving the safety and wellbeing of their students by converting unused car bays into dedicated cycle parking. Secure cycle parking supports active travel plans and demonstrates a tangible commitment to sustainability.
We’ve seen this first-hand through the Cyclehoop Education Fund, where over 400 primary and secondary schools across the country applied for improved cycle parking. What they shared—beyond a need for racks and shelters—was a clear desire to make cycling a normal, safe, everyday option.
A single car space can hold up to ten cycles. That’s ten students arriving on their own terms, moving more, spending less, and starting their day with a sense of independence. It’s ten families not caught in the congestion around the school gate. And it’s ten small acts of climate action, adding up fast.
Creating a more cycle-friendly school doesn’t require huge investment or sweeping infrastructure changes—it starts with reclaiming a bit of space, showing students their bikes are valued, and backing that message with facilities they can rely on.
Every school that makes room for cycles is helping shape a generation that sees active travel as normal, safe, and aspirational. And it starts with something as simple as turning a car parking bay into cycle parking.
Want to learn more about improving cycle parking at your school? Get in touch or visit our Education Fund page for ideas and support.