Creating Safer Routes to School

With the release of new government guidance in November last year, schools have an opportunity to enhance safety and encourage active travel during school runs

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on gov.uk

New government guidance, released at the end of last year, focuses on incorporating more walking and cycling activity into our neighbourhoods and reducing road congestion during school run times. But what does this mean for school business managers?

The guidance, released by Active Travel England and the Department for Transport, provides recommendations for councils on how to implement school street schemes that benefit not only students and staff but also local businesses and residents. A School Street temporarily restricts motor traffic outside school gates during pick-up and drop-off times, allowing only vehicles with a permit. This helps create a safer environment for children and their families to walk, cycle, wheel, or scoot to school.

The benefits of this include encouraging children to walk to school whenever possible, promoting physical activity, and reducing traffic and congestion in the school area. This initiative follows recent research commissioned by Active Travel England (ATE), which found that 85% of people in England support active travel and are interested in doing more. Additionally, data from the charity Sustrans revealed that 4 out of 5 children would prefer to walk or cycle to school.

How Can Schools Get Engaged?

SBLs should review the “School Streets: How to Set Up and Manage a Scheme” document for a comprehensive understanding of the programme. The guidance outlines what School Streets are, along with the key steps and considerations for developing and implementing these schemes effectively.

Examine the road systems around your school to assess your eligibility and the potential benefits of the scheme. What evidence is there to show that the area is impacted by motorised traffic? Is there any indication that traffic is widely perceived as a danger, discouraging walking, wheeling and cycling to school?

How to Get the School Engaged

Consider asking students and staff if they would walk or cycle to school if given the opportunity. How many already do, and what routes are available to them? This information can help strengthen your case. You could turn it into an engaging activity for students by having them create posters and other communications that spark their creativity while promoting the message that you want to be part of the scheme.

By embracing government guidance and implementing School Streets, schools can not only improve safety and reduce congestion but also foster a healthier, more sustainable environment for students, staff and the wider community.