{"id":362396,"date":"2025-09-11T14:24:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T14:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmacs.co.uk\/?p=362396"},"modified":"2025-09-11T14:24:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T14:24:32","slug":"back-to-school-2025-getting-there-know-your-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmacs.co.uk\/blog\/back-to-school-2025-getting-there-know-your-way\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to School 2025: Getting There – Know Your Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FAB833″ custom_padding_tablet=”125px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”125px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_main_element_last_edited=”off|desktop”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#4E3162″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”equal-col” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiRGF0ZTogIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”equal-col” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9jYXRlZ29yaWVzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiQ2F0ZWdvcmllczogIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9mZiIsInNlcGFyYXRvciI6IiB8ICIsImNhdGVnb3J5X3R5cGUiOiJjYXRlZ29yeSJ9fQ==@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”equal-col” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF90YWdzIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiVGFnczogIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJsaW5rX3RvX3Rlcm1fcGFnZSI6Im9uIiwic2VwYXJhdG9yIjoiIHwgIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnlfdHlwZSI6InBvc3RfdGFnIn19@[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”4px||6px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

It may feel like it was yesterday that summer officially began and you had six long weeks ahead of you to enjoy. But just like that, September has arrived and we\u2019re back into the swing of things, which means you\u2019re heading back to school.<\/p>\n

One thing you might need to consider is what the best way to travel to school is. Living in Greater Manchester means that there are often multiple ways to travel. With a city-region as well connected as this, you\u2019re spoilt for choice!<\/p>\n

This might also mean having different plans for different days. Maybe if the weather is nice, you plan to walk; but if it\u2019s raining, you could hop on a bus or tram. Or you could just mix it up based on how you feel each day. A bit of variety is always nice and breaks up a routine!<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s have a think about all your options. For each option, we\u2019ve explained why it could be right for you, as well as some things you\u2019ll need to think about.<\/p>\n

Walking or wheeling<\/h2>\n

Walking is the original method of transport! Some of you may be using wheelchairs or other mobility devices which use footpaths. If you can get to school by walking or wheeling, it\u2019s a great choice.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gmacs.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/students-walking.jpg” alt=”students on a walk beside a pond” title_text=”students-walking” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Why walking or wheeling could be right for you<\/h3>\n

If there\u2019s a safe route available for you to walk or wheel to school, it\u2019s really worth considering. It\u2019s a wonderful way to get your daily movement in \u2013 the benefits of moving go on and on and on. It helps you in all sorts of ways \u2013 physically and mentally.\u00a0 The NHS says that we should be doing 150 minutes of exercise a week. If walking to and from school 5 days a week takes you 30 minutes per day \u2013 that\u2019s your weekly exercise done!<\/p>\n

It also is a very cost effective and environmentally considerate thing to do. Walking is free and does not contribute negatively to the climate!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a win for the bank balance, the planet and your general health.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Things to bear in mind<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve grown up in the UK, you don\u2019t need to be told how unpredictable British weather can be.\u00a0 Walking or wheeling during the winter months can be particularly challenging, especially when the weather conditions are quite rough.<\/p>\n

Of course, we can prepare for different circumstances to make the journey easier. That could be making sure you\u2019re wearing appropriate shoes, carrying a raincoat or umbrella or making sure you\u2019re wearing sunscreen.<\/p>\n

Things can be tricker when there\u2019s ice on the ground, or there\u2019s a storm of some kind. So, make sure you\u2019re picking the safest travel route on those days. Mother nature is not to be messed with!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Cycling<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve got a bike, cycling is also a great option for travelling to school. Much like walking or wheeling, it\u2019s a great option \u2013 and cycling makes journeys of slightly longer distances a bit more doable, as well.<\/p>\n

Why cycling could be right for you<\/h3>\n

Cycling is great for the environment and for your health. You could get your daily movement in by cycling to school, and by cycling rather than taking the car, you\u2019ll be decreasing the overall carbon emissions produced by transport.<\/p>\n

Plus, getting more confident with cycling means you might find yourself taking your bike for other journeys, too. Or even picking up a new hobby \u2013 you could find yourself cycling miles and miles on a road bike, or learning tricks on a BMX.<\/p>\n

Things to bear in mind<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s very important to be safe when you cycle. Wear a helmet and reflective clothing so you can be seen. If you\u2019re cycling at night or when it\u2019s dark, make sure your bike\u2019s got lights on so you\u2019re nice and visible to other road users and pedestrians.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not as confident when you cycle, there are lots of schemes on offer in Greater Manchester that could help you gain skills and confidence. Check out Transport for Greater Manchester\u2019s boss the school run<\/a> site for more info.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t got a bike, there are also ways to borrow one, or you could find one second-hand! TfGM also have information on their get a bike<\/a> page.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/gmacs.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/women-cycling.jpg” alt=”Two women cycling ” title_text=”women-cycling” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” max_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Catching the bus or tram<\/h2>\n

Lots of people use public transport to get to school. Whether this is a public bus, a dedicated school bus or coach, or a tram, there\u2019s lots of options.<\/p>\n

Obviously, you\u2019ll need to check the routes to understand if public transport will work for you. Many schools are on bus routes, and you may find that the tram is close enough for you to use, too. If you\u2019re not sure what\u2019s in your area, check out Transport for Greater Manchester\u2019s travelling to school<\/a> page to find travel advice dedicated to your school.<\/p>\n

Why catching the bus or tram could be right for you<\/h3>\n

There are lots of benefits to using public transport. For a start \u2013 you could access a range of discounted or free child fares, so it\u2019s cheaper! Depending on how old you are, there are a range of dedicated schemes for young people that offer free or cheaper travel. Find out more on TfGM\u2019s website<\/a> (plus learn about other schemes!), but the main schemes are:<\/p>\n