Girls Urged to Lead Cycling Revolution as National Ambassador Programme Launches

An Taisce's Green-Schools initiative has launched its 2025/2026 #AndSheCycles Ambassador Programme, targeting the stark gender imbalance that sees ten times more boys than girls cycling to school across Ireland.

The programme, which kicks off today, invites secondary schools nationwide to empower teenage girls to become cycling advocates in their communities. With just one in every 250 teenage girls cycling to school daily compared to one in 25 boys, the initiative aims to tackle the barriers preventing young women from taking to two wheels.

Throughout the academic year, selected ambassadors will work to boost confidence, develop essential cycling skills, and inspire their peers while building leadership capabilities. The programme extends beyond cycling instruction to create lasting cultural change in participating schools.

Allison Phillips, Green-Schools Travel Manager, said:

"Last year's #AndSheCycles ambassador programme was the biggest one yet, and this year we're aiming to make it even bigger. Each year, we are blown away by the work carried out by the ambassadors. They are truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see what this year's ambassadors will achieve."

Last year's programme attracted 13 schools from counties spanning Sligo to Cork, with Dublin and Galway also represented. The geographical spread demonstrates the nationwide appetite for addressing cycling inequality, with Cork schools among those leading the charge in Munster.

Schools currently working on Green-Schools Travel or Global Citizenship Travel themes are eligible to apply, as are previous participants looking to continue their involvement. The inclusive programme welcomes trans and intersex women and girls, along with non-binary and gender fluid students comfortable in spaces centring young women's experiences.

Applications can be submitted through the Green-Schools website at www.greenschoolsireland.org/andshecycles, with teachers applying on behalf of their institutions.

The Green-Schools programme operates as Ireland's leading environmental management and education initiative, promoting student-led action with community involvement. The Travel theme, which encompasses the #BigTravelChallenge, receives funding from the Department of Transport with National Transport Authority support.

The ambassador programme represents a targeted response to persistent gender disparities in cycling participation, focusing on building student leaders capable of creating sustainable change in their school communities.