hackbike 666 said:
I think you are a perfect role model to a generation that seems to rely on cars pete.
I think you should cycle...When I was at school in the 70's I remember a teacher called Mr Hutchinson and he used to cycle all the time.I used to think he was a bit eccentric but I liked him and he must have been about 60.Still remember him to this day.I did actually seem him once about ten years ago or more and he was still cycling.
Excellent point - showing that you can still cycle even after you've left school and got your drivers licence
I think as a teacher, you must gain the respect of the kids. I went to a fairly tame school compared to some, but there was the odd teacher who wasn't able to command that respect and I'm sure their teaching career suffered because of it (or at the very least, their morale).
I don't think it matters how you get to school: walk, run, cycle, car, bus train, lift from mum - if you can't command the respect, it's going to be a very bumpy ride as a teacher. So Make your choice based on how you feel about the idea of cycling, not on how you think the kids will react
One other point mentioned somewhere else: do you have to carry text books or similar home? Because I doubt you'll be wanting to carry that much weight by bike anyway.