Christopher Harrison, Headteacher of Oatlands Infant School, was recently invited to the Active Travel & Young People Workshop at Leeds University on April 7, 2025, sharing the impact of his school’s Active Travel initiatives.
The workshop, led by Dr. Peter Hart of the Inclusion,
Childhood and Youth Research Centre, aimed to discuss how partners in the system can empower young people in shaping healthier and more sustainable transport futures.
As passionate advocate for early education and physical activity, Chris Harrison detailed how Oatlands Infant School, which serves 270 pupils from across Yorkshire, has integrated active travel approaches to promote healthier lifestyles. National data highlights the urgency of such initiatives – only 47% of children and young people meet daily physical activity guidelines, while car reliance remains high among primary-age pupils.
Transforming Travel in North Yorkshire
Active travel is a growing priority for North Yorkshire, with the Mayor appointing an Active Travel Commissioner to lead walking, cycling, and wheeling initiatives. Oatlands Infant School aligns with this vision, focusing on fostering long-term habits that will improve children’s
health while reducing road congestion and pollution. Through partnerships with Sustrans, North Yorkshire Sport and funding support from the Opening School Facilities, the Infant School also successfully collaborated with the Junior School as well as the local road action group.
Through (OSF) programme, the school has implemented a Bike Bus, a safe, structured cycling group guided by trained marshals. Careful planning ensures compliance through accessible routes, risk assessments, and strong community engagement.
The OSF programme, launched to help schools open their facilities beyond traditional hours, has been instrumental in Oatlands Infant School’s success. By providing funding and resources, OSF has enabled
the school to expand access to physical activity, ensuring that children, families, and the wider community can benefit from initiatives like the Bike Bus and Bike Library.
Measurable Impact
Since launching, the school’s Active Travel Tracker has reported a 25% increase in active travel on Bike Bus days, with bike shelter usage rising by 30%. Parents praise the initiative, describing it as a “fantastic
opportunity” that encourages families to spend time outdoors. Ofsted has recognized the school’s commitment, stating: “The school prioritises developing pupils’ character and physical activity. Pupils benefit from the Bike Bus and a wide range of activities at playtimes.”
Bike Library: Breaking Barriers to Cycling
Oatlands Infant School has also established a Bike Library, providing families with free access to bikes and scooters. This initiative removes financial and logistical barriers, enabling more children and parents to participate in active travel. Since its inception, the library has facilitated:
• 20 first-ever family bike rides
• 18 new cyclists
• An increase in active weekend outings and community engagement
Parent Voice: Positive Change for Families
The initiative has been warmly received by parents, who emphasize the benefits of spending quality time outdoors and fostering lifelong healthy habits:
“We believe it is a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to use
together. It brings a sense of spending time outdoors and a positive
movement towards the importance of physical health and mental well
being.”
Another parent expressed excitement for the Bike Library, stating:
“My son loves cycling and really wants me to join him for rides, but I haven’t got a bike of my own. Being able to borrow one from school will be fantastic! This is also a wonderful resource for families who don’t have space for a bike at home but would love to get out for fresh air and
exercise.”
Looking Ahead
Despite challenges such as local traffic and funding constraints, the school remains committed to expanding its reach through collaboration and sustained efforts. With active travel gaining momentum, Oatlands Infant School’s initiatives, bolstered by support from the Opening School Facilities programme stand as a model for fostering lifelong health and
sustainability.
Download the Active Travel Toolkit from Leeds University here.
The toolkit has been designed to help anyone working with young people to identify barriers to (and opportunities for) more active and sustainable forms of travel.
