Cycling brings freedom, independence, and a healthy start to the day. But for many families, road safety concerns still make the school run stressful. That’s why it’s great news that 400 schools across Ireland are now actively involved in the Safe Routes to School programme.
This milestone shows how communities all over the country are working together to make school journeys safer and more enjoyable.
Why It Matters
Busy school gates, traffic congestion, and short car journeys are still the norm in many areas. But this programme is showing what’s possible when safety and active travel are prioritised.
Recent progress includes:
- A 36% increase in cycling
- A 6% increase in walking
- A 17% drop in car use on school commutes
These are clear signs of change that benefit children, families, and the wider community.
A Shared Effort for Safer Streets
Parents, teachers, councils, and pupils are all playing a part in the Safe Routes to School programme. It’s not just about new crossings or bike lanes, but about creating environments where everyone feels safe and supported to walk, cycle or scoot.
The benefits go beyond transport:
- Families feel more confident choosing active travel
- Streets become quieter and more pleasant
- Everyone benefits from improved safety, not just those on bikes or foot
What the Programme Includes
Safe Routes to School supports schools through a mix of:
- Education: helping children understand how to travel safely
- Engineering: improvements like pedestrian crossings and protected cycle routes
- Encouragement: events such as Walk on Wednesdays and Cycle Buses
- Enforcement: working with Gardaí and local councils to reduce risk around schools
This approach is about making long-term habits easier, not just one-off changes.
Looking Ahead
There’s still work to do. As more schools join the programme, we need to support a wide range of communities—rural, suburban, and urban. Every school should be able to offer children a safe, active way to travel.
Timing improvements around key moments, like the start of the school year, helps families form new routines. And sharing real-life stories from schools already involved helps build confidence and support.
Get Involved
If you’re a parent, teacher, councillor or student, you can help bring Safe Routes to School to your area. Contact your local authority, talk to your school principal, or get in touch with the Irish Cycling Campaign.
Cycling should be for everyone. When streets are safe for children, they’re better for all of us.
👉 Read the full update from the National Transport Authority