That schools should allow bikes!!

[cookiesandmilk]

Due to a Covid 19 risk assessment bikes and scooters can no longer be stored at school.
My child has received years of physio and has always biked to school as walking a distance is difficult. I now have to attempt to get him to walk which will mean giving him Calpol daily.
I cannot drive due to health reasons so I don't have that option.
I have thought about locking the bike near the school but it is a very central high crime area so I am reluctant.
Scooter would be easy as I could carry home but child can only manage couple of metres on one. Ideas would be welcomed!

Our school have never allowed bikes to be stored. Are you in a position to take the bike home with you?

and when you discussed this with the school - citing the health issues that may mean they make an exception - what did they say?

Have you spoken to the school and asked for a medical exemption?

Do you know any local parents who would let you leave the bike at their place? Maybe ask on the parents Facebook or equivalent? Even if it’s part way it would help.

Or speak to the school and ask for an exemption. A medical need should be able to be accommodated. My dd is allowed to bring earmuffs in to school because of her sensitivity to noise, even though it’s against their Covid policy.

My DCs' primary school is still happy to store bikes on site (I specifically checked as we usually cycle). Not sure why bikes are magically more infectious where you live than they are here in East Yorkshire

Ask them if they're allowing cars on the site? Because if they can make a plan for staff cars then they should be able to accommodate bikes

Our primary isn't allowing the usual bike storage due to worries about 'touchpoints' - but the government wants more kids to cycle?! 🤷🏻‍♀️

Do you know anyone who lives close to school who's garden you could leave the bike in?

I will try phoning the school tomorrow but they haven't been answering the phone when I have tried.
Never thought about a medical exemption although it is a mainstream school. They weren't best pleased when I sent in ear defenders for the weekly fire alarm test that took a doctor's letter. I think they like the children to conform to the 'norm'.

How big are the bike storage areas and how many bikes do they typically have? I would be tempted to challenge this. Cycling (and to a lesser extent scooting) are sometimes essential if you live a bit further away. DS1 cycles 3 miles to school and definitely couldn't walk it

Our school is the same but they are using the bike locker now as an entrance/exit so it's no longer secure. It's to ensure various year groups can leave at the same time but through different doors. It may be logistics rather than a sweeping covid rule. If they had 1 or 2 to store due to medical requirements they may be able to accommodate that.

Our school allows bikes too. Just discuss with them, explain circumstances and ask the evidence base for the rule, maybe they’ll change.

I’d just cycle in & deal with it there. Be very firm & very polite. They need to be reasonable, it’s a medical reason & adjustments need to be made.

Get a letter from
The physio staying the need for cycling vs walking

It seems like the sort of decision that may lower transmission caused by touching other people's bikes but would vastly increase transmission over all by pushing more people on to public transport.

Ask the school what reasonable adjustments they can make for your child in light of their disability?

What the actual fuck

Of course bikes should be allowed - and actively encouraged.

Oh ffs what a load of crap from the school. The kids will be using the same sodding taps, handles and seats and tables all day long and they won't store bikes, common sense is just losing this battle. Your school is being RIDICULOUS.

Spoke to school and they have said they cannot provide separate areas for different bubbles to store bikes.

Suggested that I lock it up on a lamppost or something nearby.

Secondary school is advising the opposite. We had an email today encouraging cycling to school to avoid having to use public transport!