Cycling to school up 49% as active travel scheme welcomes 13 new Dublin schools

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme has welcomed 13 new Dublin schools into their initiative to create safer conditions for children and families walking, wheeling and cycling to school

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 13:04, 15 Oct 2026 View Image Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme (Image: National Transport Authority)

Cycling to school has increased by almost 49% for those participating in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme.

A nationwide initiative aiming to create safer conditions for children and families walking, wheeling and cycling to school has welcomed a further 13 Dublin schools into the programme. With a total of 118 schools across the capital now participating, since its launch in 2021, it has grown into one of Ireland’s biggest active travel initiatives.

The remaining schools that applied to join the programme will continue to be brought in through future rounds as the programme expands nationwide The SRTS contributes to infrastructure works and surveys from schools where infrastructure works have been completed has seen cycling to school increase by almost 49%, walking up 8%, car use down 10%, and scooting increased by 17.5%.

The programme is funded through the NTA's Active Travel investment programme on behalf of the Department of Transport and is coordinated by the Safe Routes to School Team at An Taisce. Working in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, the programme has already delivered a range of improvements including the distinctive Irish Safe Routes to School design approach, featuring pencil-shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths and improved pedestrian crossings.

Across Dublin city and county, these schemes are helping to create safer routes for students while supporting healthier lifestyles and climate action. The newly announced schools will now begin working with Dublin local authorities, and the Safe Routes to School team to identify measures tailored to local needs.

Gayle Byrne, Acting Principal of Pope John Paul II School, Malahide said their school has already benefited from the programme. “The improvements delivered through the Safe Routes to School programme have made a significant difference to safety around our school,” she stated.

“Parents and staff have noticed calmer traffic conditions at drop-off and pick-up times, helping pupils travel to and from school with greater confidence. The project has been very positively received by our school community.

“The new infrastructure has encouraged more of our pupils to cycle/scoot to school each day. As well as improving safety outside the school gates, it has helped promote healthier, more active travel habits among our students. The Safe Routes to School improvements have created a safer and more welcoming environment around Pope John Paul II School.”

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien revealed that there are now over 600 schools actively participating in the programme across the country. By delivering “real benefits for communities” he said the SRTS not only reduces traffic congestion which will help create "healthier, more sustainable communities for future generations”.

“Interventions under the Safe Routes to School Programme are already having an impact with the most recent census showing the first increase in children walking to school in a generation. I look forward to building on this momentum as the Programme continues to grow and support safer, more active journeys to more schools across Ireland,” he said.

Gabrielle Malone, Administrative Officer, Sustainable Mobility, Dublin City Council , said: “Dublin City Council is delighted to see more schools across the city joining the Safe Routes to School Programme. This very popular scheme provides a valuable opportunity for schools, local communities and local authorities to work together to create safer, more accessible environments for children travelling to and from school.

"By encouraging more students to walk, wheel and cycle, we are helping to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion around school gates and support healthier, more independent travel habits for our young people. We look forward to working closely with the newly selected schools and our partners to deliver lasting benefits for children, families and local communities across Dublin.”

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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