Getting to School

Walking and Cycling

Why walk or cycle to School?
Cycling or walking is a healthy and environmentally friendly way of travelling to School, and contributes to the one-hour-per-day of moderate physical exercise recommended by the Department of Health for young people. A majority of our pupils live close to the School, so walking or cycling to and fro could take under thirty minutes: it is a practical way of keeping healthy without any additional costs.

Plan your route
There is a number of websites recommended by Bristol City Council that will help you select and view the safest routes to School, whether cycling or walking.

If you and your child are planning to walk, <www.walkit.com> is an urban walking-route planner website. Here you can map out chosen routes to School, selecting quieter or direct journeys.

If cycling is an option then <www.bristolstreets.co.uk> allows you the option to select cycle paths and cycle lanes or quiet and recommended routes. This site also mentions hazardous spots and allows users to view other cyclists' comments about certain areas.

Bicycle storage facilities for students
The School has twelve covered bike stands on its main site, behind Caldicott's House on Elton Road.  These are available for use every day of the week, round the clock, although security will be reduced at night and at weekends.

There are showers and changing rooms available in the Sports Hall and lockers to store cycling/wet weather clothing in locations as specified per year-group.

There are ten bike-racks at Failand Sports Pavilion. There are lockers in the changing rooms and showers available for use Monday-Saturday between 8.30am and 5.30pm.

For further information on safe routes to schools please go to <www.saferoutestoschools.org.uk>

Coach Services
There are a number of buses and coaches that bring students from outlying towns and villages to BGS. A full list with contact details for the companies and further information may be requested from the School Office.

Parking
We are unable to offer parking on the Main School site, but there are both free and metered parking spaces available in the immediate vicinity.

Parking is available at our sports ground at Failand.

Public Transport
In addition to the services provided by private coach operators, our central location means a large number of public buses also stop close to BGS. Current information on bus routes around Bristol can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Transport-Streets/Public-Transport/

Key stops to look for are:
1: Queens Road shops (2 minute walk from BGS)
2: Elton Road (outside the school gate)
3: Kingsdown Parade (5 minute walk from BGS)