TFL wants to see more schools supporting walking and cycling to school

It's part of a new years push to get more schools signed up to Transport for London's Travel for Life program.

Schools will earn Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation for reducing the number of people coming to school by car
Author: Claire BoadPublished 8th Jan 2025

TFL are encouraging schools to get involved with their program to reduce the number of people driving to and from school.

The Travel for Life scheme hopes to encourage more people to walk, cycle or get public transport to school by rewarding schools for their efforts with Bronze, Silver or Gold accreditation.

Around 40% of London schools have signed up to the scheme so far.

To achieve a Gold accreditation, schools need to either reduce car usage by 6%, or jabe over 90% of school journeys being made through sustainable transport.

In the last year, 735 schools achieved a Gold accreditation, a 10% increase from the previous year.

TFL's Chief Health, Saftey and Environment Officer Lilli Matson told us why chosing sustainable transport for the school run is the best idea.

"The benefits include, obviously, cutting congestion, by helping people not travelling to school by car.

"There are also direct benefits to the students and the parents themselves for making that decision by foot or by bike".

Lilli says it's not just health benefits why TFL want less people travelling by car, but also safety.

"We're determined to help Londoners breath cleaner air. Every journey to school made by foot or bike is one less car on the roads.

"It can also help reduce road danger in the local areas. In London, we've seen a really successful year on year reduction in the number of children being injured in road accidents- it's been a 40% reduction.

"That's been really good progress, but we want to get it to zero".

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