Bicycle policy
Cycling is good for our health, good for getting around, good for public spaces and good for society.
It has the potential to make a positive contribution to many key public policy priorities involving
health and urban congestion. Cycling is a fun and healthy way for young people to get about, and it
also gives them a degree of freedom and independence. But there are safety issues which must be
addressed if young people are to be safe on the road. Please read the cycling policy below and send a
completed cycling permit to your son’s Housemaster and the Vice Master if you wish him to cycle to
and from school.
Conditions for cycling to and from school
1. Parents / Guardians must complete a Cycling Permit giving permission for your son to cycle
to school alone.
2. Boys must ensure the bicycle is in good working order, well maintained and the correct size.
The school strongly recommends that bikes should cost no more than £200 and that
parents/guardians should keep the receipt, model, make details and frame number.
3. The bike must have front and rear lights, flashing or steady and must also be fitted with a red
rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.
4. Parents/Guardians must provide a named cycle helmet and encourage their son to wear
bright and or reflective clothing on the journey.
5. Parents/Guardians must provide a sturdy lock to secure the bicycle at school.
6. Note that all bicycles and helmets are brought and stored on school grounds at the owners’
risk. Bedford School is not responsible for bicycles brought on to or left on school premises
and is therefore not liable for boys’ bicycles being stolen or damaged by a third party.
7. The Housemaster will notify parents/guardians if their son does not adhere to the School
Bicycle policy and permission to ride will be withdrawn until the issues identified have been
satisfactorily addressed.
Rules and guidelines for boys cycling to and from school
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Cycling within the school grounds is not allowed.
No fixed wheel bicycles will be allowed.
While cycling you must behave in a manner which shows you and the school in the best
possible light and consider the needs of others when cycling.
Your bike must be kept in good working order.
Keep your bike secure: at school, bikes must be put in the allocated bike shed and
locked.
Know the rules of the road e.g. one-way only streets, stopping at zebra crossings and
red lights.
A safety helmet and reflective/fluorescent clothing must be worn where appropriate.
Do not ride on pavements: dismount and walk.
You will not be allowed to ride to and from school if you do not follow this policy.
Marking & Registration Schemes
There are a number of companies which will offer to security mark your bike with a unique number
and cross-reference this to your personal details on their database. If you choose to use this service,
make sure that:
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the security mark applied meets all the criteria set out above in respect of visibility,
permanence and safety;
the mark is accompanied by the company's telephone number so the police know who to
contact;
the company you use is following the National Cycling Forum's "Code of Practice for
Security Marking and Registration of Pedal Cycles" which has been endorsed by the police,
the Home Office and the DETR.
Finally, keep your own record of your bicycle - its make, model, frame number and colour.
A photo can also be of assistance to the police.
To become a more proficient cyclist, Bikeability training is available at 3 levels at:
Bedford Borough Council 01234 228336 [email protected]
Although the school provides appropriate cycle storage, parents and guardians are advised to take
out appropriate insurance cover as the school’s insurance does not cover loss or damage to bicycles.
I have read the policy and agree to follow the rules and guidelines:
Boy name: ……………………………………………………….
Date: ………………………………
Boy signature: ……………………………………………………
Cycling Permit
Name of Boy……………………………
Date of Birth…………………………..
Cycle make……………………………….. Model…………………………………
Cycle colour……………………………… Features………………………………
I accept the above conditions and request permission for ……………………… (my son) to cycle to
school.
Signed……………………………………
Parent/Guardian
Date……………………………………
Please send to the Housemaster and Vice Master
James Hodgson
Head Master
February 2015
Reviewed February 2015
Next review February 2018