Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust is the UK charity that makes it possible for people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel and cycle safely, healthily and joyfully — including thousands of pupils, parents and teachers across Northern Ireland. Formerly known as Sustrans, the organisation has been transforming how communities travel since 1977, working locally and nationally to improve streets, routes and active travel opportunities.

About Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s mission is to make walking, wheeling and cycling a natural choice for daily journeys, from the school run to trips around the neighbourhood. They work with communities, partners and governments to make change happen on the ground and help influence transport and planning policies that support healthier, greener travel for everyone. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Across the UK and in Northern Ireland, the organisation maintains and cares for the National Cycle Network, a growing series of traffic-free and quieter routes connecting people with places, spaces and each other — supporting wellbeing and the environment. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

What Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Offers Schools in NI

Active School Travel Programme

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust delivers the Active School Travel Programme in Northern Ireland — a coordinated year-long initiative helping schools encourage more pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to school. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Schools involved in the programme receive:

Dedicated support from an Active Travel Officer throughout the year Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Practical activities and classroom lessons on route planning, road safety and healthy travel choices Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Behaviour-change initiatives including campaigns like Big Walk and Wheel Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Guidance for teachers, parents and pupils on how to develop safer, active journeys every day Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

This work helps increase physical activity, reduce pollution around school gates, improve road safety awareness and boost pupil confidence and independence. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

In the 2024–25 school year, participating schools saw a notable rise in active travel, with more children walking, cycling or scooting as their main way to school — helping embed active, healthy habits and reduce traffic congestion. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Active Travel Events & Campaigns

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust also supports events and challenges that invite whole school communities to take part in active travel — including regional Active Travel Challenges and awareness weeks that encourage pupils, families and staff to rethink journeys and choose walking, wheeling or cycling wherever possible. healthwell.eani.org.uk

???? Why Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Matters to Eco-Schools NI

By partnering with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, Eco-Schools NI promotes:

Healthier, more active lifestyles for pupils and their families
Cleaner air and reduced car dependency around school environments
Greater confidence and independence in young people’s daily travel
Meaningful learning opportunities that connect classroom themes with real-world behaviour change

Active travel supports sustainability in action — encouraging children to reduce their carbon footprint, improve wellbeing and engage with their communities in positive, inclusive ways.

Eco-Schools NI is proud to work with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust to help schools make every school journey an opportunity for health, connection and environmental care.

Find out more and access school-support information at: www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk