How a student travels to and from school is the responsibility of the parent or carer.

A principal cannot enforce how a student should or should not travel to school.

However, a principal can deny/ban the bringing of bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled devices onto school premises if:

• it is identified that the traffic environment is unsafe for students to ride in
• the wheeled devices onsite present a hazard and/or safety risk to others
• the wheeled device is illegally ridden on NSW road and road related areas, such as footpaths
• persistently displays unsafe behaviours when travelling, or there has been extensive consultation between school staff and the school community to identify, address and resolve the concern.

The school has a duty of care to ensure all students travel to and from school as safely as possible.

If a student is observed arriving at or leaving the school without wearing a properly fitted helmet, riding an unroadworthy bike, or engaging in unsafe riding behaviour, they should:

• notify the student to walk with their bike, and not ride their bike until the condition is met
• inform parents and carers of how students are expected to ride safely and follow the road rules to and from school and/or maintain their bike
• provide localised teaching and learning activities about safe travel to and from school, including safe riding behaviours, safety gear and helmets
• notify relevant authorities if the school becomes aware of a traffic environment infrastructure issue, or efforts to liaise with parents and carers do not result in improved student riding behaviours.
• document all the above actions.

Advice from DoE Legals - About road safety Banning riding to school (staff only)

(sample bicycle and wheeled device templates available - staff only)

• Not all schools have the facilities to store students' wheeled devices. The decision to install and maintain bike racks is made by the school. Some schools choose not to have bikes brought into the school. This may be due to safety reasons, or the inability to safely secure bikes.
• Wheeled devices need to be stored in the area specified by the school.
  
• The school accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or theft. We recommend that students lock their wheeled device with a secure chain.
  
• The school may assist with safe storage of helmets if space permits.

All schools should note Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing advice for storage of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes:

• charging of e-bike batteries is not permitted on department sites
• ensure e-bikes are stored in a location away from structures.

Schools should advise parents or carers if a student is not wearing a helmet. The school may request that students not bring their bikes onto school grounds if they do not wear it.

Schools can use these templates to provide information to parents and carers:

• bicycle/e-bike and wheeled device templates - staff only) provide bicycle/e-bike and wheeled device sample guidelines to parents/carers and students about bringing bikes onto school grounds.

• not wearing a helmet letter templates (sample staff only) to remind students, parents and carers about the importance of riding safely, wearing a helmet and storing their wheeled devices in the right place at school.

Schools should not provide 'bike licences' to students

The NSW Department of Education supports the development of safe, active travel through quality bike safety and cycling education.

Schools can choose to deliver cycling skills programs, either practical or online, as part of their Sports program or in partnership with external providers.

The department does not endorse the issuing of formal "bike licences".

Students who complete a bike safety program may receive a participation or achievement award, recognising their understanding of key road rules, safe riding behaviours, and bike handling skills.

Schools should not sign these documents, as signatures may be interpreted as legal endorsement.

All programs should be inclusive, voluntary, and aligned with the department’s Road safety education procedures and Cycling - bicycle safety skills guidelines.

Schools are encouraged to communicate clearly with families about the importance of safe behaviours when riding and that any cycling award is educational only.

Advice for schools on how to manage a Cycling school bus program

• Cycling - Off road, road and track- sport safety guidelines
• School Sport Unit - Introduction to cycling (NR33407)