Soon after starting secondary school, James was keen to start cycling there and back. But it was only a few years later, when new separated cycle paths were installed, that his parents felt that his route to school was safe enough for him to cycle. In this blog, James shares his experience of cycling to school on the National Cycle Network, and the barriers that have prevented him from doing so over the years.
James loves cycling, but until a cycle lane was built, his parents didn't feel it was safe for him to ride to school. Credit: Mark Radford
“When I joined school in year seven, I wanted to cycle in, but my parents decided it was too dangerous.
"But then new cycle paths were put in on my route and that convinced them to let me cycle. I'm now able to control what time I leave, not having to worry about buses being late.
"As well as getting new cycle paths, I think we need to maintain the ones that we have, so that they're safe.
"I hope that conditions of the road improve so more people can cycle to school and experience the joy that I have on my cycle." James
Safe routes to school empower children
James wanted to cycle to school instead of depending on an unreliable bus. But his parents worried that his route on busy roads was too dangerous, so he wasn’t allowed.
A breakthrough came when his local National Cycle Network route was extended. Suddenly, James had a safe, traffic-free, path where he could ride independently to school.
This sparked a ripple effect, inspiring other students to make the healthy switch to cycling too.
At Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, our ambition is to deliver 1,000 miles of new or improved National Cycle Network by 2030.
This will help empower more children, like James to travel independently and actively to school.
Will you give now?
Do you want more children to experience the joy, health benefits and independence of cycling? Please give £10 today. Your donation could help grow the Network and open a whole new world of active travel to more young people.
About the National Cycle Network
Spanning more than 12,000 miles across the UK, the National Cycle Network is waymarked by a number in a little red square.
It's affectionately known as the spine of walking, wheeling and cycling in the UK, and a beloved part of our active travel heritage.
Our staff and volunteers work to care for and improve this vital infrastructure, while championing a long-term vision for its future, which includes ensuring the paths are accessible for everyone.
Soon after joining secondary school in Birmingham, James was keen to start cycling there.
