Improving active travel among schools with the Cyclehoop Education Fund
Helping school children enjoy the benefits active travel is an important cause to us at Cyclehoop. Since 2024, we’ve been improving active travel amongst students and staff by donating a percentage of our profits to schools in need.
Dangerous stacking of childrens’ bikes
schools applied for the fund by providing information about their area, student body, and existing active travel and sustainability initiatives.
We then carefully considered each application, with the final shortlist of entries being assessed by a panel of experts from across the sector. The winning schools won a new set of cycle and scooter parking equipment, along with delivery and installation.
Growing the Cyclehoop Education Fund in 2025
For 2025, we brought in experts from the active travel sector to sit on our judging panel. We also awarded two additional schools.
We enlisted the help of Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of The Bikeability Trust, and Stephanie Lake, Modeshift STARS programme manager; two organisations with similar missions of improving active travel within schools and communities. After whittling the entries down to a shortlist of 20 schools, the panel gathered to discuss the entries, eventually deciding on a winner, Our Lady and St. Philomena’s Catholic Primary School, and two runner ups, Ysgol Glannau Gwuan and St. Mary’s Lewisham CE Primary School.
Bikes taking up essential space
These schools stood out to the judging panel for their clear dedication to active travel and support for students despite lacking the adequate provisions.
Active travel hurdles for schools
Our inaugural year in 2024 illustrated an unfortunate truth. Many schools in the UK are forced to use old, inadequate and even dangerous cycle parking due to budget concerns. All 315 applicants from 2025 detailed lack of funding as being their biggest obstacle in providing parking provision for staff and students.
Numerous applications stated that high numbers of students live within cycling distance but are forced to take the bus or private car journeys due to lack of provision. One school in Northern Ireland said “The majority of our pupils live within walking or cycling distance of the school, and many families would consider cycling a viable option if there were a safe, secure, and accessible place to store bicycles.”
Excessive amounts of scooters causing potential hazard
“Many families would consider cycling a viable option if there were a safe, secure, and accessible place to store bicycles.”
The effects of inadequate cycle parking provision can be felt by the whole community. As people choose private car journeys for the school run, congestion, idling and noise levels increase whilst air quality suffers.
The bright side
While there is a clear need for better provision, schools across the UK are improving active travel wherever and however they can. A large majority of applications detailed existing active travel initiatives like bike buses, cycle-to-school incentives, Bikeability training, and participation in accreditation programmes such as TfL’s Travel.
Providing active travel opportunities for students and staff is beneficial in so many ways. Starting the day with movement and exercise kickstarts the brain and keeps pupils engaged for longer. Cycling a minimum of three times per week strengthens muscles and acts as a preventative measure against heart disease, strokes, Type-2 Diabetes, and weight gain in general. Expenses such as petrol or bus passes are also immediately reduced.
Advice from the active travel pros
Whether you want to start active travel initiatives at your school or expand on what you’re already offering, applying to the Cyclehoop Education Fund is a great start.
We asked our guest judges for some information about their organisations and how they can benefit you. We hope this helps you continue to work on your active travel initiatives.
Stephanie from Modeshift said:
“A School Travel Plan is a powerful next step. It helps you work collaboratively with pupils, parents and staff, unlock new opportunities, and gain recognition for the positive changes you’re already making.
Student transport blocking an essential access point
Modeshift believes communities thrive when people have real opportunities to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport for everyday journeys. Through Modeshift STARS, the national Centre of Excellence for Travel Plans in education, business and community settings, we support and celebrate organisations working to make active travel the easy choice. For schools, STARS offers a clear, practical pathway to creating or strengthening a School Travel Plan. Our 150+ pre‑loaded initiatives, online travel surveys, and suite of resources are a great way to evidence the decarbonisation elements of a Climate Action Plan.”
“A School Travel Plan… helps you work collaboratively with pupils, parents and staff”
Emily Cherry provided information on what The Bikeability Trust can offer your school:
“Bikeability cycle training is available across England for all ages and abilities, funding is managed by individual local authorities. To find out more please visit www.bikeability.org.uk.
For Reception and Key Stage 1, Bikeability can now train Teachers, TA’s and school staff to teach Balance and Learn to Ride. This offer also includes a set of Balance bikes for your school. To register interest: https://getcycling.bikeability.org.uk/”
Until next time
We hope you join us in wishing our winners a huge congratulations.
If your application was not selected this year, please do not be deterred. Throughout 2026 we will be posting content showing the winning school’s experience and the effects their new provision has had. We’ll also be providing an article on how to write the best Cyclehoop Education Fund application possible.
Keep your eyes peeled on our socials and your inboxes for more updates.
If you’d like to see how 2024’s winners are finding their new provision, click here!