London’s school run is becoming more active, with 73,915 fewer car trips on each school day compared to a decade ago, according to new data from TfL. This significant reduction is part of a broader trend towards healthier and more sustainable travel options for children across the capital.
The shift reflects a growing trend of children walking, cycling, or using scooters to get to school. In 2024/25, 66% of primary school-aged children used these active methods, while car travel dropped to its lowest level in ten years.
Fewer Cars, Cleaner Air
Between 2015/16 and 2024/25, car journeys to school decreased by 16%, from 461,000 to 387,000. This reduction is a direct result of targeted policies and community engagement. One of the key initiatives driving this change is the School Streets program, where motor traffic is restricted during drop-off and pick-up times, creating safer environments for children to walk and cycle. These restrictions have not only improved safety but also significantly reduced air pollution levels around schools.
There are now over 870 School Streets in London, up from none in 2016. Monitoring data from the Breathe London project shows that these zones can reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by up to 23% during morning drop-off.
London’s progress in reducing car use around schools has been praised by health advocates. Andrew McCracken of Asthma + Lung UK noted the positive impact on children’s lungs but emphasized that more work is needed, as 95% of participating London schools still exceed WHO nitrogen dioxide targets.
Supporting Active Choices
Over 90% of London schools now provide scooter and cycle parking, making it easier for students to choose active travel options. This infrastructure support is complemented by educational programs designed to build confidence and skills among young cyclists. For instance, 196,688 children received cycle training through TfL’s Bikeability programme between 2021/22 and 2025/26.
Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted the benefits of active travel for children’s physical and mental health, as well as its role in reducing air pollution. He stated, “Whether it’s walking or wheeling, active travel is excellent for children’s physical and mental health, increasing their confidence and helping them focus in the classroom – and fewer cars on the road also means less air pollution in their lungs. In the past ten years I’ve prioritised making it easier and safer for children to walk, cycle, scoot and wheel safely and independently, and these figures show my policies are working, with more young Londoners than ever reaping the benefits of active travel. But we’re not complacent. I remain committed to building on our progress and making it safer, easier and more enjoyable for even more Londoners to get around the capital on foot or by bike. This is vital not just for our health, but also for our environment and our children’s futures, as we continue building a greener and better London for everyone.”