 Above: Our cycling officer takes a look at a bike during Cycle to School week
There's still time to step into Walktober and win!
Don't miss the change to take part in this month's annual Walktober initiative, with pupils of all ages bidding to make the most inspiring journeys to school
Primary school pupils will win gift vouchers, while secondary school participants have been entered into a prize draw for a Places Leisure pass.
Primary schools must submit their entries by Friday, 6 November, with three prizes of £500, £400 and £300 to be won.
It's a fantastic chance to show how your school community, and individual pupils, are working together to promote healthier and sustainable travel - and it also covers cycling and scooting.
Pedalling towards healthier school runs
Earlier this month, seven schools in the borough took part in Bikeability's national Cycle to School Week campaign.
Several schools completed their Bikeability Level 2 training at the same time, including The Hawthorns Primary School in Wokingham.
Our mechanic carried out checks and tasks like replacing brake cables, checking chains and gears, fitting new handlebar end plugs, and adjusting saddles to make sure everyone's bike was safe.
We sent certificates to all seven schools and they told us more about the activities they enjoyed, as well as the enthusiasm shown by pupils, staff and families.
It highlighted the health benefits of active travel and the positive impact on the local environment, as cycling helps to reduce air pollution, ease congestion and reduce parking pressures around schools.
 Young artists' designs discourage engine idling
In the run-up to half-term, we visited four fantastic school assemblies to give prizes to the five winners of our anti-idling poster competition.
This was held in partnership with Volker Highways, who attended with their colourful road safety mascots Kerby and Amber.
The winners came from The Coombes Primary School in Arborfield, Nine Mile Ride Primary School in Finchampstead and Evendons Primary School and Westende Junior School, both in Wokingham.
Each received a £50 book voucher and a My Journey goodie bag, while schools won a banner featuring all five winning designs and the message: "Our message is clear: turn your engine off here."
The banners will be displayed outside each school to discourage unnecessary engine idling and promote cleaner air for pupils, staff and the wider school community.
Why should you switch off around schools?
Emissions from exhaust can cause a range of health problems, especially in children, and promoting cleaner air is a key part of the Modeshift STARS scheme, which many Wokingham schools already participate in.
We support them through regular meetings, advice and practical help to come up with active school travel plans, and we offer financial incentives to become accredited.
Even if your school isn't signed up, you may already be taking part in qualifying activities - so taking part will earn the recognition and support you deserve, while helping you improve even further.
Get in touch with us to discuss how ModeshiftSTARS can benefit your school and encourage everyone to build healthier habits.
You can get FREE bike checks and small fixes through our Dr Bike sessions, which are held across the borough. We can also advise on the next steps if we can't carry out a repair. Find out more or book a place on our events page.
 Be bright and be seen as nights draw in
As the days get shorter and darker, it's more important than ever to make sure we can be seen when we're out walking, wheeling or cycling.
Serious collisions happen more often in winter because drivers don't see pedestrians or cyclists until it's too late, so wear bright, colourful clothing whenever possible.
Fluorescent (hi-vis) materials are especially effective during daylight because they stand out and help you be seen more easily. They can also help during dusk and early evening before it gets fully dark.
But these don't work in the dark, so you need to wear reflective materials that bounce light back from car headlights, streetlights and other light sources.
Even a small reflective strip can make a big difference, whether it's on your coat, armbands, bike accessories, tags, badges or anything else.
Check out more advice on being seen in winter, as well as planning your route and riding safely, from Bikeability.
Learn more about how buses and trains are thriving in Wokingham Borough, with some support coming from us. We're going to increase investment in bus services that we support when new contracts start in 2027.
 Helping you keep fit and active
Earlier this year, more than 700 residents shared their views on being and staying physically active in the borough.
We heard how important being active is to residents, but that a lack of time and money can be significant barriers. You also told us you wanted more beginner-friendly activities and better walking and cycling routes.
We’ve incorporated that feedback in a new 10-year strategy, which, if agreed, will aim to make Wokingham Borough a place where everyone can be more active. But have we got it right? Are we missing anything?
Take a few moments to give your views by 22 November and help us shape a future where residents can be healthier and happier.
 Upcoming activities and events
- Free Balance Bike Club at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays 2.15pm)
- Free Balance Bike Club at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays 2.15pm)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£12) at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays 4pm)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£12) at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays 4pm)
- Woky Wheels 4 All (FREE) at FBC in Finchampstead (Thursdays 10am/11am)
- Dr Bike at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Woodley (Thursday 2.30pm to 3.30pm)
- My Journey & Dr Bike at Wokingham train station on Tuesday, 10 November 3.30pm to 6.30pm
- Dr Bike at Stables Cafe, Arborfield Green on Saturday,14 November 10am to 12pm
- Dr Bike at Cantley Park Cafe, Wokingham on Saturday, 14 November 12.30pm to 2.30pm
For more information on our regular cycle training and activities or to book, visit our website.or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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