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- Advice
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September is the time of backpacks, books, and new beginnings. But instead of only talking about homework and school schedules, we like to talk about another kind of “return”: getting back on the bike. More and more schools and families are embracing the bike to school model, which means using the bicycle daily to go to school. It’s not just a way to get around: it’s a small yet powerful gesture that benefits health, the environment, and the community.
What is bike to school
Bike to school is an initiative created to promote active and sustainable mobility among children and young people. In practice, it means replacing the car with a bike for the home-to-school route. A simple idea, but one that requires a shared vision: schools, families, and institutions must work together to make the route safe and accessible.
It is based on groups of parents, students, and volunteers who ride together along safe and shared routes, often accompanied: a kind of "bike bus" on wheels that makes the trip more visible and safer, especially in high-traffic urban areas.
Practical tip
3 golden rules for safe riding from home to school
1 - Always wear a helmet – it's not required by law, but it greatly reduces the risk in case of a fall.
2 - Visibility first – keep front and rear lights on, use reflectors, and if it’s dark or raining, wear a reflective vest.
3 - Choose safe routes – use bike lanes or quiet secondary roads, even if it takes a few minutes longer.
Initiatives to promote bike to school in Italy
Italy is beginning to take important first steps. In many Italian schools, projects dedicated to cycling mobility are being carried out, with awareness campaigns, safe bike lanes and parking areas, in collaboration with local authorities and associations, to foster an eco-responsible mindset among young people.
In 2021, the Ministry of Education and FIAB (Italian Federation for the Environment and Bicycle) signed a memorandum of understanding to promote sustainable mobility in schools, focusing on cycling and walking, road safety, and healthy lifestyles.
In 2022, the Sector Plan for School Mobility was introduced as part of the National Cycling Mobility Plan: a document that includes concrete measures such as a ban on parking and car traffic in front of schools during drop-off and pick-up times.
In short, more space for bikes and fewer cars at the school gates.
Why biking to school is good for you
We already know it: the bicycle is a great ally for health at any age. It boosts concentration, improves mood thanks to the release of endorphins, promotes better sleep, and even helps build friendships — because riding together is a fun way to socialize.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Biking to school also supports autonomy and confidence: children learn how to move around safely and responsibly, developing independence and self-esteem. For those accompanying their kids, it's a valuable opportunity for quality time: riding together means starting the day calmly, chatting away from traffic and digital distractions.
And let’s not forget the practical side: biking is a fast, low-cost option that saves money on fuel and parking — and often gets you to school quicker by avoiding traffic and stress.
Studies show that the benefits are especially significant for teenagers. A study published in Frontiers in Public Health (Ding, Ding & Feng, 2023), conducted in China on thousands of adolescents, specifically analyzed the effects of biking to school.
The results are clear: those who bike to school report a better perception of their own health, less mental stress, and more balanced body weight. That’s not all — daily cycling also reduces the risk of certain chronic diseases, including brain and kidney conditions. The effect is even more noticeable in rural or suburban areas, where commutes are longer and the physical activity more substantial.
In short, the bike is not just a means of transport — it’s a true ally for the health of growing teens.
Did you know?
You save CO₂ every day by biking
The average home-to-school trip is about 2 km.
If 100 students rode their bikes instead of using a car for a full school year, over 10 tons of CO₂ emissions would be avoided.
Not bad, considering it's a daily habit that’s also great for your health!
Obstacles to overcome
If biking to school is so beneficial, why doesn’t everyone do it?
A study conducted in the UK and published in Active Travel Studies identified the main obstacles: the lack of safe bike lanes near schools, parents’ concerns about road safety, distances that are too long to travel daily, and the perception that biking is “inconvenient” compared to driving, especially when it rains or is cold.
In Italy, a joint survey by Unicef Italia, FIAB, and CNR-Issirfa (2025) showed a similar situation: there are already school zones, bike buses, and walking buses active, but the lack of adequate infrastructure and weather conditions remain the main barriers.
The truth is that there are two types of barriers. Practical ones, which require bolder public policies: safe bike lanes, less traffic in front of schools, bike parking. And cultural ones, which need to be addressed with awareness campaigns that “normalize” daily bike use, making it perceived as a comfortable, safe, and modern mode of transport. Because the more cyclists there are on the roads, the safer the roads become for everyone.
And what about those who live far away? Nowadays, there are also e-bikes — a solution that overcomes the problem of long distances or steep hills, allowing many kids to still choose biking without excessive effort.
Practical tip
It’s easier with an e-bike!
Worried that the distance is too far? With an electric bike, that problem disappears: it reduces effort by up to 60% and gets you to school without breaking a sweat. With a range of 50–80 km, it’s the ideal choice for those who live farther away or face daily hills, while still being much more sustainable than a car.
A different September: by bike!
Starting the school year by bike means giving an extra boost not only to your day but to the future. The benefits are immediate: less traffic and pollution in front of schools, more active and calm kids, and stronger communities. The bike is not just a means of transport—it’s an investment in the health of our children and the quality of the environment we live in.
Why go to school by bike
Health – more exercise, less stress, balanced weight
Mind – better concentration and mood
Environment – zero emissions, less traffic in front of schools
Social life – cycling together makes it more fun
September is the perfect time to change habits: the days are still long, the weather is mild, and the spirit of a “fresh start” helps make different choices. Talk about it with your children, suggest it to the school, organize a group with other parents. Just one bike can change the daily journey.