Benefits of incorporating cycling into your school's curriculum

Jun 2, 2024

In recent years, the importance of physical activity in education has grown. As schools seek to provide a holistic educational experience for pupils, integrating cycling into the curriculum has proven a successful tool! In addition to improving physical fitness, cycling improves pupils' academic performance, mental health, and overall development.

Here are five compelling reasons why schools should incorporate cycling into their curriculum.

1. Promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyle

Integrating cycling into the school curriculum can encourage pupils to engage in regular physical activity, thus promoting overall health and well-being.

Did you know that a quarter of children are obese or overweight by the time they start school*? *Source

Cardiovascular health

Cycling is an effective aerobic exercise that elevates heart rate and improves cardiovascular fitness. When pupils engage in cycling regularly, they strengthen their hearts and circulatory systems. Regular cycling sessions help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

A study published in the British Medical Journal stated that commuting by bicycle is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality.

Muscle strength and coordination

Cycling engages various muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. As pupils pedal, they build strength and endurance in these muscles, improving overall muscle tone and coordination. Cycling also enhances core stability and balance, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of injuries.

Endurance and stamina

Consistent cycling sessions gradually increase pupils' endurance and stamina levels. As they push themselves to tackle longer distances or more challenging terrain, their aerobic capacity improves, allowing them to sustain physical activity for extended periods. This enhanced endurance not only benefits their cycling performance but also translates to improved stamina in other physical activities and daily tasks.

Establishing healthy habits

Introducing cycling as a routine activity from a young age helps pupils develop lifelong habits of physical activity and exercise. By integrating cycling into their daily routines pupils cultivate a positive relationship with exercise and prioritise their health and well-being.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to continue being active into adulthood.

Preventing obesity and promoting wellness

Regular physical activity, such as cycling, is crucial in preventing obesity and related health issues among pupils. By promoting an active lifestyle, schools foster a culture of wellness that extends beyond the classroom. Cycling helps pupils maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and improve mental well-being, contributing to their overall quality of life.

Physical education classes: Integrate biking into the physical-education curriculum to promote cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and balance among pupils.

Sports day: Add cycling as part of the annual sports day and include triathlon or track cycling events to help foster a sense of camaraderie and school spirit.

2. Enhances cognitive function and academic performance

Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between physical activity and academic achievement, helping to enhance cognition, and emotional regulation, assisting the children to concentrate thus helping with higher levels of attainment. Cycling stimulates blood flow to the brain, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery, which enhances cognitive function and concentration.

According to the Youth Sport Trust, more active children perform significantly better in writing and maths than less active children.

Regular exercise also reduces stress and anxiety levels, improving pupils' mood and overall mental well-being. By including cycling in the school day, educators can create an environment that supports academic success while prioritising pupils' physical and mental health.

Another study has shown a positive correlation between bicycle use and positive mood and self-actualisation. Source

Break time activities: Provide bikes for pupils to use during break periods, encouraging outdoor play and exploration while promoting physical activity.

After-school programs: Offer biking clubs or workshops where pupils can learn bike safety, and maintenance skills, and participate in group rides.

3. Fosters environmental awareness and sustainability

Cycling is not only beneficial for individual health but also for the environment. By choosing bicycles as a mode of transportation, pupils reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability efforts.

Practical application of environmental concepts

Pupils learn about concepts such as carbon emissions, air pollution, and resource conservation in the context of everyday actions like choosing a mode of transportation. This practical application helps pupils connect theoretical knowledge to real-world practices, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues. Nature rides can provide opportunities for pupils to explore local ecosystems and biodiversity, fostering a sense of connection to the natural world and instilling a desire to protect it.

Research published in the Journal of Environmental Education suggests that experiential learning methods, such as outdoor activities and hands-on experiences, are effective in enhancing students' understanding of environmental concepts.

Promotion of active transportation

Integrating cycling into the curriculum promotes active transportation as a viable alternative to car travel. Educators can organise group bike rides or cycling challenges to encourage pupils to incorporate cycling into daily routines.

Encouraging bike maintenance

Bike maintenance workshops offer hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction. pupils gain practical skills in bicycle repair and maintenance, empowering them to take care of their bikes and promoting self-sufficiency.

Development of environmental stewardship

Through cycling-related activities, pupils develop a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility. They learn that their actions, such as choosing to cycle instead of drive, can have a positive impact on the environment. This cultivation of environmental stewardship helps pupils feel like they can make a difference and empowers them to become advocates for sustainability in their communities.

Bike maintenance workshops: Offer workshops where pupils learn how to perform basic bike maintenance and repairs, teaching valuable skills like fixing a flat tyre or adjusting brakes.

Environmental studies: Integrate cycling into the environmental studies curriculum by exploring topics such as sustainable transportation, the environmental benefits of cycling, and the impact of transportation on climate change.

4. Cultivates social skills and teamwork

Cycling offers opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, fostering the development of important life skills such as group work, interaction, and responsibility.

According to research by the Aspen Institute's Project Play initiative, participation in sports and physical activities, including cycling, can promote the development of life skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, communication, and leadership among youth.

Group cycling activities, such as bike clubs or team challenges, provide pupils with a platform to connect with their peers, build friendships, and work towards common goals. This could include leading a group ride, organising a bike maintenance workshop, or planning a fundraising event. pupils learn to support and motivate each other, developing a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the school community.

Special events: Bike-themed events such as charity bike rides, or bike parades to foster a sense of community and promote active lifestyles.

Field trips: Use bikes as a mode of transportation for local field trips, allowing pupils to explore nearby parks, nature reserves, or historical sites.

5. Encourages independence and personal growth

Learning to ride a bike empowers pupils with a sense of independence and self-confidence. Mastering cycling skills opens up new possibilities for exploration and adventure, allowing pupils to discover the world around them in a unique way. By incorporating cycling into the curriculum, schools provide pupils with valuable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether it's navigating a challenging trail or conquering a long-distance ride, cycling encourages resilience, determination, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

Traffic safety education: Teach pupils about bike safety and the rules of the road through hands-on biking activities and simulations.

Geography: Study local and global cycling infrastructure, urban planning, and geography through field trips to bike-friendly cities or exploration of cycling maps and routes.

Integration with cross-curricular learning

Cycling can be integrated across multiple subject areas, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. For example, pupils can explore the physics of bicycle mechanics in science class, calculate carbon emissions saved through cycling in math class, and learn about the environmental and social impacts of transportation in geography or social studies.

Mathematics: Use cycling as a context for teaching mathematical concepts such as distance, speed, time calculations, and data analysis of cycling routes and performance metrics.

From promoting healthy lifestyles to fostering environmental awareness and cultivating social skills, cycling enriches the educational experience and empowers pupils to reach their full potential.

Don't just take our word for it...

Riddings Junior School partners with Frog Bikes to enhance learning and development through cycling

The pupils at Riddings School are reaping the benefits of the fleet of Frog bikes, thoughtfully curated to enhance their learning experiences across various areas. Comprising 25 hybrid bikes and 5 road bikes, they have become an integral part of the school's activities.

Find out how Riddings School has incorporated bikes into its curriculum here >>