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Promoting safe, active, responsible and sustainable travel

On behalf of TfL, we promote active, safe, responsible and sustainable travel to 100,000 young Londoners each year.

Working in partnership with London’s Borough Officers, we administer the STARS accreditation for more than 1,500 schools, nurseries and colleges, and we deliver the Safety and Citizenship and Youth Travel Ambassador schemes.

This activity supports the Mayor of London’s transport strategy, particularly Vision Zero which aims to reduce traffic related accidents and deaths, and the Healthy Streets approach.

Our team has developed a range of engaging resources to prepare primary school pupils for travelling on London’s transport. These include our pop-up Underground station and bus which help children to learn about ticketing, staff recognition, how to keep themselves safe, and sustainable and active travel. 

As part of our award-winning Youth Travel Ambassador scheme, students at more than 400 schools have delivered behaviour change projects to their peers. These activities include walking and cycling competitions, creative workshops, films and community events, with some schools increasing active travel by up to 10%.

Teacher review

YTA creates a link with the community whilst taking care of the environment and creating future leaders

Teacher, London Islamic School, Tower Hamlets

Promoting safe, active, responsible and sustainable travel

Two teenage girls on blue bicycles. The girls on the left is wearing a blue hoodie and yellow helmet. The girl on the right is wearing a yellow t-shirt with 'Tour de Hounslow' written on the front and yellow helmet

STARS

STARS is TfL’s accreditation scheme for London schools and nurseries. It inspires young Londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling. Since the scheme started in 2007, STARS schools, their pupils, parents, carers and staff have replaced over 22 million kilometres of car journeys with active travel.

Three teenage boys standing in front of a projector taking part in Youth Travel Ambassadors activity

Safety and Citizenship

This free-of-charge transport education service is offered to all Year 6 students in greater London. The service encourages active travel, safe, responsible and respectful behaviour on and around London’s transport system. It provides in-school presentations and Junior Citizenship Schemes, as well as community events and restorative justice. Sessions prepare pupils for travelling independently or address specific transport issues.

Teenage boy in red polo shirt standing with his green bike in front of two signs attached to a fence.

Youth Travel Ambassadors

The Youth Travel Ambassador programme empowers young people aged 11 to 19 to make a positive impact on travel in their school and local community. With support from a specialist coordinator, borough councils and school staff, ambassador students research, design and deliver behaviour change projects to their peers, focusing on safe and sustainable travel choices.

School Travel Arts Competition

Many thanks to all the pupils that entered our School Travel Arts Competition to help raise awareness of transport issues and to positively encourage people to change their travel habits. 

Take a look at our winning designs.