Cycling and schools

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Cycling to school has a number of benefits including:

  • improved concentration

  • fosters independence

  • saves families money on fuel and fares

This page provides helpful information on cycling projects in and around your child's school and more information on cycling to school.

Keep up to date and stay informed about school cycling projects by signing up to our Active Travel Newsletter.

School friendly zones

School friendly zones are streets around primary schools where vehicle access is restricted during specific times to create a safer environment for children.

During operating hours, vehicles are banned from entering the restricted areas unless they have an exemption.

The benefits of introducing school friendly zones include:

  • an increase in walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils and parents
  • a reduction in traffic speed, congestion and air pollution around school gates

Zones made permanent on 21 January 2025, effective from 11 February 2025:


Cycle buses

A cycle bus is an organised group cycle to and from a local primary school with stops along the way for parents/carers and school children to join. The led ride provides a safe and enjoyable way to start the day and help get the children energised and focused for the day ahead.

The first cycle bus in Angus was piloted in Newtyle in early 2024 and was delivered by Angus Cycle Hub. It was an instant success and has continued to prove popular and allow for a spin-off group to develop with a group of P6 – P7 girls leading their own one.

Northmuir Primary School in Kirriemuir and Muirfield Primary School in Arbroath both have had cycle buses which started in 2025 and have seen similar success as Newtyle.

More about cycle buses and how to get involved.

WOW travel tracker

Delivered by Living Streets, the WOW travel tracker provides pupils with the opportunity to log daily journeys to school. Pupils can earn a badge each month through walking and these numbers can be used to earn the school a Modeshift STARS award. At the end of the month pupils who have walked (wheeling, cycling, scooting and Park and Stride count too) to school at least once per week for a whole month can receive their WOW badge.

Find out about Oscar from Birkhill Primary School and his recent achievements.

There are currently 12 primary schools across Angus taking part and we are keen to have more schools sign up!

Email downiep@angus.gov.uk to find out more.


Safe routes to school

We have made a number of improvements in and around Angus schools in recent years. These include the creation of new paths, improved surfacing, new crossings and widening of existing paths.

Some of these more recent improvements have taken place around: -

Cycle shelters

Somewhere for children to park their bikes or scooters is key to encouraging them to travel this way to and from school. Shelters with bike stands provide cover and security for bikes and scooters while children are at school and we have been working with our active schools coordinators to identify where we can improve facilities.

Does your school need a new shelter or bikes stands?

Please share your ideas.





Bikeability cycle training

Bikeability Scotland cycle training begins in an off-road setting and teaches children simple bike safety checks and control skills. Level 2 introduces roads and teaches children how to ride safely and responsibly in traffic.

Bikeability Scotland training can contribute to a child’s:

  • Emotional, social, and physical wellbeing
  • Education and attainment
  • Hazard perception and awareness
  • Confidence and self-awareness

In 2024-25, a record number of Scottish councils delivered on-road cycle training at all primary schools in their area.

The percentage of primary schools delivering Level 2 Bikeability Scotland training (23/24) in Angus is 96% and we hope to get that to 100%!

Not sure if your child's school delivers Bikeability? Use Cycling Scotland's handy school checker.

Cycling to school has a number of benefits including:

  • improved concentration

  • fosters independence

  • saves families money on fuel and fares

This page provides helpful information on cycling projects in and around your child's school and more information on cycling to school.

Keep up to date and stay informed about school cycling projects by signing up to our Active Travel Newsletter.

School friendly zones

School friendly zones are streets around primary schools where vehicle access is restricted during specific times to create a safer environment for children.

During operating hours, vehicles are banned from entering the restricted areas unless they have an exemption.

The benefits of introducing school friendly zones include:

  • an increase in walking, cycling and active lifestyles for pupils and parents
  • a reduction in traffic speed, congestion and air pollution around school gates

Zones made permanent on 21 January 2025, effective from 11 February 2025:


Cycle buses

A cycle bus is an organised group cycle to and from a local primary school with stops along the way for parents/carers and school children to join. The led ride provides a safe and enjoyable way to start the day and help get the children energised and focused for the day ahead.

The first cycle bus in Angus was piloted in Newtyle in early 2024 and was delivered by Angus Cycle Hub. It was an instant success and has continued to prove popular and allow for a spin-off group to develop with a group of P6 – P7 girls leading their own one.

Northmuir Primary School in Kirriemuir and Muirfield Primary School in Arbroath both have had cycle buses which started in 2025 and have seen similar success as Newtyle.

More about cycle buses and how to get involved.

WOW travel tracker

Delivered by Living Streets, the WOW travel tracker provides pupils with the opportunity to log daily journeys to school. Pupils can earn a badge each month through walking and these numbers can be used to earn the school a Modeshift STARS award. At the end of the month pupils who have walked (wheeling, cycling, scooting and Park and Stride count too) to school at least once per week for a whole month can receive their WOW badge.

Find out about Oscar from Birkhill Primary School and his recent achievements.

There are currently 12 primary schools across Angus taking part and we are keen to have more schools sign up!

Email downiep@angus.gov.uk to find out more.


Safe routes to school

We have made a number of improvements in and around Angus schools in recent years. These include the creation of new paths, improved surfacing, new crossings and widening of existing paths.

Some of these more recent improvements have taken place around: -

Cycle shelters

Somewhere for children to park their bikes or scooters is key to encouraging them to travel this way to and from school. Shelters with bike stands provide cover and security for bikes and scooters while children are at school and we have been working with our active schools coordinators to identify where we can improve facilities.

Does your school need a new shelter or bikes stands?

Please share your ideas.





Bikeability cycle training

Bikeability Scotland cycle training begins in an off-road setting and teaches children simple bike safety checks and control skills. Level 2 introduces roads and teaches children how to ride safely and responsibly in traffic.

Bikeability Scotland training can contribute to a child’s:

  • Emotional, social, and physical wellbeing
  • Education and attainment
  • Hazard perception and awareness
  • Confidence and self-awareness

In 2024-25, a record number of Scottish councils delivered on-road cycle training at all primary schools in their area.

The percentage of primary schools delivering Level 2 Bikeability Scotland training (23/24) in Angus is 96% and we hope to get that to 100%!

Not sure if your child's school delivers Bikeability? Use Cycling Scotland's handy school checker.

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