Travel for Life backed by TfL for London Schools
Quote from Fergus McCarthy on January 13, 2025, 12:05 pmTfL urges London schools to embrace Travel for Life: walking and cycling for healthier, greener journeys
Transport for London (TfL) is calling on schools across the capital to join its Travel for Life programme. This initiative helps schools promote walking and cycling to improve air quality, enhance health, and ensure safer journeys for children.
What is the TfL Travel for Life programme?
The TfL Travel for Life programme equips London schools with resources to encourage sustainable travel. Activities focus on walking, cycling, and the safe use of public transport. Schools can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation based on their success in reducing car use and increasing sustainable travel.
To achieve Gold status, schools must cut car use by six per cent or ensure 90 per cent of journeys are made sustainably. In 2024, 735 schools achieved Gold accreditation—a 10 per cent increase from 2023.
Leading the way in sustainable travel
Some London boroughs are setting the standard:
- Bromley: 63% of schools achieved Gold accreditation.
- Islington: 49% of schools achieved Gold accreditation.
- Havering: 45% of schools achieved Gold accreditation.
Boroughs like Waltham Forest also shine, with 81% of schools participating in the programme.
Why walking and cycling matter
Walking and cycling to school offer many benefits:
- Healthier children: Studies show active travel improves mood, behaviour, and physical health (Living Streets).
- Cleaner air: Reduced car use lowers harmful emissions.
- Safer roads: Fewer cars mean safer streets, supporting TfL’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries.
Real-life success stories, Travel for Life
St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Brent achieved Gold accreditation within a year of joining the programme. Their motto, "swap the ride for a park and stride," has inspired initiatives like air quality monitoring and student-led podcasts on active travel.
One Year 8 pupil shared, “This programme opened my eyes to how polluted our air is and motivated me to advocate for cleaner air.”
Get involved in Travel for Life
TfL’s Chief Health, Safety & Environment Officer, Lilli Matson, says: “Clean air is essential for young Londoners to thrive. Walking and cycling to school not only benefits the environment but also boosts children’s health and wellbeing.”
Schools can sign up for the TfL Travel for Life programme on the TfL website.
Additional support for greener schools
In December, the Mayor of London launched the Greener Schools pilot. This £2 million initiative helps schools cut energy costs and carbon emissions through measures like solar panels and insulation.
TfL urges London schools to embrace Travel for Life: walking and cycling for healthier, greener journeys
Transport for London (TfL) is calling on schools across the capital to join its Travel for Life programme. This initiative helps schools promote walking and cycling to improve air quality, enhance health, and ensure safer journeys for children.
What is the TfL Travel for Life programme?
The TfL Travel for Life programme equips London schools with resources to encourage sustainable travel. Activities focus on walking, cycling, and the safe use of public transport. Schools can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold accreditation based on their success in reducing car use and increasing sustainable travel.
To achieve Gold status, schools must cut car use by six per cent or ensure 90 per cent of journeys are made sustainably. In 2024, 735 schools achieved Gold accreditation—a 10 per cent increase from 2023.
Leading the way in sustainable travel
Some London boroughs are setting the standard:
- Bromley: 63% of schools achieved Gold accreditation.
- Islington: 49% of schools achieved Gold accreditation.
- Havering: 45% of schools achieved Gold accreditation.
Boroughs like Waltham Forest also shine, with 81% of schools participating in the programme.
Why walking and cycling matter
Walking and cycling to school offer many benefits:
- Healthier children: Studies show active travel improves mood, behaviour, and physical health (Living Streets).
- Cleaner air: Reduced car use lowers harmful emissions.
- Safer roads: Fewer cars mean safer streets, supporting TfL’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries.
Real-life success stories, Travel for Life
St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Brent achieved Gold accreditation within a year of joining the programme. Their motto, "swap the ride for a park and stride," has inspired initiatives like air quality monitoring and student-led podcasts on active travel.
One Year 8 pupil shared, “This programme opened my eyes to how polluted our air is and motivated me to advocate for cleaner air.”
Get involved in Travel for Life
TfL’s Chief Health, Safety & Environment Officer, Lilli Matson, says: “Clean air is essential for young Londoners to thrive. Walking and cycling to school not only benefits the environment but also boosts children’s health and wellbeing.”
Schools can sign up for the TfL Travel for Life programme on the TfL website.
Additional support for greener schools
In December, the Mayor of London launched the Greener Schools pilot. This £2 million initiative helps schools cut energy costs and carbon emissions through measures like solar panels and insulation.