School bikeability – what is it, and why is it important? An overview of key indicators and measurement

Abstract

Despite the theoretical recognition of children’s specific needs regarding road safety, there remains a lack of literature focusing on children’s bikeability or bikeability to school. This is rather concerning as many developed countries have witnessed a decline in active travel to school over the past few decades, despite the existence of well-recognized positive benefits of cycling for children. Recognising the significance of school travel, this study addresses this gap. Through an overview of existing literature, it discusses the importance of school bikeability and sheds light on its specific differences from general accessibility and bikeability, and identifies a set of indicators for measuring it. These indicators, categorised into four domains – Cycling Infrastructure, Connectivity and urbanisation, Safety, and Surrounding environment, can be further utilised to assess school bikeability in any given area. The results of such an assessment can be effectively used to guide investments and policies aimed at establishing safe and secure cycling routes to and from schools.