Warwick Gates Bicycle Bus
The Warwick Gates Bicycle Bus is a parent led active travel initiative for Warwick Gates
Pick up points & times:
+ Tachbrook Road – 8.27 – just off Tachbrook Road, hardstanding by the cycle path
+ Mallory Grange – 8.30 – Alleyway
Do you remember when you used to cycle to school?
Do you want your child to be more active?
Do you drive your child less than 3 miles to school?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then read on…
What is a bicycle bus?
A bicycle bus is when a lead cyclist picks up children and parents along a planned route at predetermined points and the group cycles to school together.
The government have very recently announced plans to improve cycling infrastructure as part of the ‘active travel scheme’ to help boost the nation’s health, and I am currently in discussions with local and county councillors about accessing these funds to improve the route that the bicycle bus will be taking.
Hopefully this will help build on the current national statistic of just 3% of children who cycle to school.
So come on parents, ditch the car keys, dust off your bike, and join your child on the bicycle bus!
The Bicycle Bus “Driver”
My name is Simon Storey. I have a Daughter who attends St Margaret’s school and I am also a British Cycling accredited coach at Stratford juniors cycling club.
Since 2012 I have organised my own cycle challenges that include cycling from coast to coast of Great Britain at the thinnest, widest and longest points, 5 capital cities – 5 countries – 5 days, and cycling from London to Paris to London in 48 hours raising in excess of £28,000 for various charities.
I believe cycling to school should be an option open to everyone. So I am creating a (free) bicycle bus that will start from Heathcote Park, with pick up points through Warwick Gates continuing into Whitnash servicing St Joseph’s Catholic primary school, Briar Hill infant school and St Margaret’s C of E junior school.
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Aims of kidical mass :
- To campaign for public streets to be made safe and accessible to cyclists and wheelers of all types, ages and physical abilities.
- To celebrate the freedom given by independent, affordable and sustainable travel modes.
- To attract, include and represent a wide breadth of the public (families, ethnicities, age groups etc)
- To provide a safe and enjoyable experience of cycling and wheeling on public streets, especially for the younger and physically vulnerable.
Getting on a bike as a kid gives you a sense of freedom and independence that will stay with you well into adulthood. I grew up cycling to school and touring expeditions, world records and ultra races have all followed. But the wonderful thing about cycling is that it is beneficial at every level. Whether you are crossing continents or simply doing the school run, the mental, physical and environmental benefits are ever present.
It is said that the bicycle is the simplest solution to some of the world’s biggest problems. I firmly believe that. When life throws you lemons there are a few things you can do. 1: Get fitter. 2: Eat healthier. 3: Spend more time outside. By cycling to school you will no doubt do all three of those things. I wish I was able to cycle to school as a kid but I grew up in Africa and I would have probably been eaten by a lion. So get out there and enjoy life on two wheels.
There are a number of benefits of cycling to school, some of these include:
- Helping to increase the way a child performs. As a morning exercise, it gives a quick boost of energy and the subsequent release of endorphins will leave your child feeling great, energised and ready to learn.
- It is recommended that children get a total of 1 hours exercise a day. Currently only 60% of boys and 40% of girls are achieving this. By cycling to school your child will increase their daily exercise by an incredible amount.
- Cycling to school helps improve fitness and mental well-being.
- Cycling to school is good for the environment. The more children that cycle to school means there are less traffic on the roads, this will help improve air quality for everyone. It will also reduce congestion around schools improving safety and that everlasting problem of parking which can be dangerous and inconsiderate.
Interest levels will determine how regular the bicycle bus will run.
How You Can Get Involved
Parent/Child
Volunteer
Are you a competent cyclist? do you like to help the community? Do you have an hour’s spare time for the school run 2 or 3 times a month?
Get Involved Today
If you want to sign your child up to the Warwick Gates Bicycle Bus or would like to volunteer, please click the ‘JOIN NOW’ button below and complete our sign up form.
Route Overview
Pick up points:
+ Tachbrook Road – grass area next to the cycle path set back from the road
Featured Sponsors
The bicycle bus is always looking for support, can your business help out?
Get in contact using the form below to find out how.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
For general enquiries or sponsorship opportunities please complete the form below and we will be in touch very soon.