So far Sustrans has given these grants to nearly 300 hundred schools, with more in the pipeline.

"Prior to having the toast racks we did not encourage cycling at all as we had little facility for storing the bikes.

On a good weather day we now have approx 50 cycles in the compound and around 8 staff cycling to school. We are just in the process of doing a cycle survey as part of our Travel plan."

- Josie Grange, Bursar, Ellis Guilford School and Sports College, Nottingham (Dec 2006).

For more information, please email suzanne.elson@sustrans.org.uk

How does my school qualify for a grant?

To be eligible the school needs to be in England and fit one of the following criteria:

• Have a completed Link route. Links to Schools is a project that builds routes that link schools to the National Cycle Network.
• Be located within ¼ mile of a Connect 2 project where construction has already started.
• Be involved in the Bike It project, ie have a Sustrans Bike It officer working directly with the pupils at the school. 
• Be nominated by a Bikeability instructor or School Travel Advisor as having a high take up of Bikeability training and a proven need for cycle parking. The cycle training must be badged as Bikeability for the school to be eligible
• Be closely linked to other Cycling England funded projects such as Bike Club and Go Ride.

Please note that we are excluding schools in London and Cycling Demonstration Towns as these have access to alternative funding.

When will I know if my application has been successful?

We shall contact all nominated schools and schools that qualify under the above project criteria in April 2010 with an application form. We shall be offering grants of up to 80% of the total cost of cycle parking, up to a maximum grant of £20K per school. Schools seeking 80% grants will be asked to justify their bid.

For more information please contact suzanne.elson@sustrans.org.uk 

Links to Schools come in a variety of forms, from new cycle routes to pedestrian crossings, all providing the safe routes that young people need to cycle and walk to school. With over 147 links being built since October 2004, you might have one near you.

If your school does have a Link, you might want to look for ways to promote it to pupils, parents, teachers and the wider community.

You will find information and resources on this page to help you promote your Link to School. These can be used in the classroom, at home or even by your school council.

Why not create your own Links to Schools promotional poster?

Download our free DIY poster template (PowerPoint) and have a go at designing your school's own Links to Schools poster.

You can insert your own map, photos, information about walking and cycling at your school, your favourite cycling and walking websites, or tell everyone your top tips for cycling and walking to school. As well as your Link to School, why not use the poster to help advertise your cycle training, bike breakfasts and your school travel events.

Do you need a map to put on your poster? Contact us on tel: 0117 915 0100 to find out how to get one like this: