Guernsey Audit Reveals Increase in Children Cycles and Walks to School

Record Number of Guernsey Students Embrace Active Travel to School

October 31, 2025

Guernsey is witnessing a meaningful shift in student transportation habits, as a growing number of children are opting for walking and cycling to attend school. Recent data reveals a substantial increase in active travel, contributing to healthier lifestyles and a reduced environmental impact.

The health Enhancement Commission’s Active Travel Audit,launched in 2020,meticulously tracks the modes of transportation utilized by students.The audit encompasses walking, cycling, scooting, and blended approaches-combining motorized transport with active travel segments.

Rising Active Travel Rates

October 2025 figures demonstrate a remarkable surge in active travel. A noteworthy 58% of primary school students now employ active travel methods for their commutes,compared to 48% recorded in October 2024. Similarly, secondary school students show a positive trend, with 43% utilizing active travel, a rise from 37% the previous year.

The data collection process involves thorough surveys conducted across all schools, where children in each class document their travel methods over two consecutive days.

Shifting Preferences and Declining Motorbike Usage

The ongoing audit, implemented bi-annually in May and October since 2022, has highlighted a growing preference for cycling among students of all ages. Interestingly, a significant decrease in motorbike usage has been observed among secondary school students. Recent findings indicate a drop to 2% from 9% in May 2024.

amy Woollaston, Active Travel officer at the Health Improvement Commission, expressed enthusiasm, stating that October 2025 represents a milestone. It marked the highest levels of combined active travel recorded since the inception of data collection.

Did You Know? Studies show that children who actively commute to school demonstrate improved concentration and academic performance.

Active Travel Statistics: A Comparative Overview

School Level	October 2024 (%)	october 2025 (%)	Change (%)
Primary School	48	58	+10
Secondary School	37	43	+6
Motorbike Usage (Secondary)	9	2	-7

Pro Tip: Encourage active travel by walking or cycling with your children to school, and advocate for safer routes and infrastructure improvements in your community.

The Long-Term Benefits of Active Travel

Promoting active travel isn’t just a short-term trend; it’s an investment in the future health and well-being of communities. Regular physical activity contributes to lower rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues. Furthermore, reducing reliance on motorized transport helps mitigate air pollution and traffic congestion, creating more livable urban environments.

The success in Guernsey aligns with broader global initiatives encouraging active school travel. Countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have long prioritized cycling infrastructure,resulting in substantially higher rates of bicycle commuting. These examples demonstrate the transformative potential of prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Active Travel

• What is considered “active travel”? Active travel refers to any self-propelled mode of transportation, including walking, cycling, scooting, and running.
• How does active travel benefit children’s health? Active travel promotes physical activity, contributing to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental well-being.
• What can schools do to encourage active travel? Schools can implement walking buses,cycling clubs,and secure bike storage facilities.
• Is active travel safe for all students? Safety is paramount. Schools and communities should invest in safe routes to school, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures.
• What impact does active travel have on the habitat? Active travel reduces carbon emissions and air pollution, contributing to a more lasting environment.
• How is the Active travel Audit conducted in Guernsey? The audit involves surveys across all schools, documenting children’s travel methods over two consecutive days.
• What has been the biggest change observed in Guernsey’s active travel data? A significant increase in active travel rates among both primary and secondary school students, alongside a decline in motorbike usage.

Do you think more could be done to promote active travel in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What demographic groups exhibit the lowest rates of active travel too school, and what specific barriers prevent their participation?

Key Findings of the 2025 Guernsey School travel Audit

A recently completed audit conducted by the States of Guernsey has revealed a meaningful and encouraging increase in the number of children choosing active travel – cycling and walking – to get to and from school. The data, collected throughout September and October 2025, paints a positive picture of shifting habits and a growing commitment to enduring transport within the island.This represents a notable change from previous school travel surveys conducted in 2018 and 2021.

Percentage Increases in Active Travel Modes

The audit highlights the following key increases:

* Walking: A 15% rise in the proportion of children walking to school, now representing 42% of all school journeys.

* cycling: A 10% increase in cycling rates, with 8% of students now regularly cycling to school.

* Combined Active Travel: 50% of children are now undertaking some form of active travel for their school commute – a ample jump from the 38% recorded in 2021.

* Car Dependency: Conversely, the audit shows a corresponding 12% decrease in the number of children being driven to school by car.

Factors Contributing to the Shift

Several factors appear to be driving this positive trend in school travel and active commutes.

Infrastructure Improvements

Recent investments in Guernsey’s infrastructure have played a crucial role. These include:

1. New Cycle Lanes: the completion of the St. Peter Port to St. Martin’s cycle lane has provided a safer and more direct route for cyclists.
2. Pedestrian Crossing Upgrades: Enhanced pedestrian crossings near schools, especially in high-traffic areas, have improved safety for young walkers.
3. ‘School Zones’: The implementation of 20mph ‘school zones’ around primary schools has created a calmer and safer surroundings for children travelling on foot or by bike.

Educational Initiatives & Road Safety Campaigns

Guernsey’s schools have actively promoted walking to school and cycling to school through various initiatives:

* Walk to School Week: Annual events encouraging families to leave the car at home.

* Bikeability Training: Providing children with the skills and confidence to cycle safely on roads.

* Road Safety Education: Integrating road safety lessons into the school curriculum.

* Active travel Champions: appointing staff members to champion active travel within schools.

parental Awareness & Community Support

Increased awareness among parents regarding the benefits of active travel, coupled with strong community support, has also contributed to the change. Local parent groups have actively campaigned for safer routes and promoted the advantages of sustainable school travel.

Benefits of Increased Active Travel

The rise in children cycling and walking to school offers a multitude of benefits, extending beyond just reducing traffic congestion.

* Improved Physical Health: Active travel promotes physical activity, combating childhood obesity and improving cardiovascular health.

* Enhanced Mental wellbeing: Walking and cycling can reduce stress and anxiety, boosting children’s mental wellbeing.

* Reduced Traffic Congestion: Fewer cars on the road during school drop-off and pick-up times alleviate traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas.

* Improved Air Quality: Reduced car emissions contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

* Increased Road Safety Awareness: Children who walk or cycle to school become more aware of road safety issues.

* Development of Independence: Encouraging children to walk or cycle independently fosters a sense of obligation and independence.

Challenges and Future Considerations

Despite the positive trends, challenges remain.

Weather Conditions

Guernsey’s unpredictable weather can deter children from walking or cycling, particularly during the winter months. Promoting appropriate clothing and providing sheltered waiting areas could mitigate this issue.

Distance to School

For children living further from school,active travel may not be feasible. exploring options such as ‘walking buses’ and park-and-stride schemes could address this challenge.

Road Safety Concerns

Continued investment in road safety infrastructure and ongoing road safety education are essential to ensure the safety of young pedestrians and cyclists.

Continued Monitoring & Data Analysis

Regular audits, similar to the 2025 study, are crucial to monitor progress, identify emerging trends, and inform future policy decisions related to school commutes and active travel. Further data analysis should focus on identifying specific barriers to active travel for different demographic groups.

Real-World Example: The Vale School Walking Bus

The Vale School in Guernsey has successfully implemented a ‘walking bus’ scheme, where a group of children walk to school together under the supervision of adult volunteers. This initiative has not only increased the number of children walking to school but has also fostered a sense of community and improved road safety. The scheme operates three times a week and has seen consistent participation rates since its launch in 2023. This is a prime example of a prosperous active travel initiative.