Ways of travelling to school

Coronavirus (Covid-19) may make it more difficult to travel to and from school. However, it also provides an opportunity to change the school run, helping us to:

• reduce pollution from car exhausts,
• improve our children’s health by more exercise,
• and make our roads safer.

We are improving routes across the borough to encourage walking and cycling. We are also making sure there is enough capacity on public transport. This page tells you more about different ways of travelling to school.

Interactive Map

The map allows you to explore and understand different travel options to schools e.g. including walking, cycling and public transport routes.

Visit our interactive map

This is a continuously evolving interactive map, please contact Transport@reading.gov.uk for any changes.

School buses

Information on school buses in Reading, including additional services being provided from September. 

Help with school transport costs

You can apply for free school transport if your nearest suitable school is not within walking distance of your home. You might also be able to apply if your child has a disability or an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). 

Cycle training

Bikeability cycle training is available in schools for a range of ages and abilities. Further information is available from our training provider Avanti Cycling. 

Road safety training

Road safety training is available in schools in Reading. Further information is available from our training provider Louis Taylor.

School Streets

School Streets create a traffic free environment directly outside schools to encourage walking, cycling or scooting to school. 

Walking and cycling routes

We are delivering a range of schemes to provide enhanced walking and cycling facilities and to help enable social distancing, many of which are on popular routes to school. 

School travel plans and further resources for schools

A School Travel Plan is a document produced by schools to promote sustainable and safe ways of travelling to and from school. We are a member of the Modeshift STARS national accreditation scheme, meaning all schools in Reading are able to access the range of resources, best practice and guidance.

Reading Borough Council – Supporting Safe and Sustainable Travel

Reading Borough Council’s Transport Planning team gave a webinar for school staff on “Supporting schools to achieve climate-friendly travel” as part of Reading’s Climate Change Festival 2020.

The webinar gave an overview of what the Council can offer schools to help support active and sustainable travel, the benefits of these various initiatives, and how schools can get involved to help achieve their health, travel plan and air quality and climate objectives. Various initiatives are covered including: Modeshift STARS, Bikeability cycle training, School Streets, WOW (Walk Once a Week), interactive travel map and other online resources.

You can view the recording of the webinar, or download the presentation slides.