Walking And Cycling To School

Walking

If you live close to your school, why not walk? Children can become fitter, more alert and learn about the local area. They quickly adapt to walking and enjoy the social aspect. Parents too meet and chat on the way. More people about makes the area round the school feel safer and more friendly.

We recommend you to;

• walk with younger children
• have a chat with them!
• provide them with bright or reflective clothing and sensible shoes
• provide a good quality backpack for the lunchbox or books

Why not get together with friends and neighbours and walk with them and their children? You could take it in turns and form a walking bus. Fewer cars on the road means less pollution. More people walking brings a sense of security and a more pleasant environment.

Walking buses in Poole

A walking bus is like a real bus, with a timetable, stops, a driver and at least one conductor. Children walk in a group under the supervision of adults. The adults are known to the school, generally they are parents who volunteer to take on this role. A walking bus will run as often as there are volunteers - from one day a week to every day.

The parents and children decide which route to take and decide when the bus will leave and arrive at school. Passengers are checked on and off at the start and end of the journey.

The road safety team will assess routes for their safety and will provide training for the adult helpers. We will provide reflective tabards for those who are on the bus.

Those adults wishing to drive or join the bus will complete a police criminal record check.

If you are interested in starting a walking bus, the first point of contact is your school. Speak to the headteacher about it. If they think that it's a good idea, then contact our school travel plans officer who will give you more information.

Cycling

Cycling is an ideal way to travel to school for many older children and young people. Please contact our cycling and walking officer for details of available cycle training courses.

Many of our schools are planning to build secure cycle sheds which will reassure parents and cyclists that bikes can be left safely during the school day.

Your child's school will tell you their policy for cycling. This could cover, for example, the minimum age for cyclists and whether they must have passed a training course before riding to school.

We recommend that you

Provide suitable clothing, bright and reflective

A bicycle which is the right size for the rider (not one which they will 'grow into'). A bike which is too big is dangerous, your child may fall off.

A good quality backpack is better than a single strap bag. Try not to overload. If there is a lot to carry, consider panniers or a basket.

Decide whether to buy a helmet. We do recommend wearing a helmet, so why not speak to a reputable cycle shop and find one which meets BS safety standards. The helmet must fit snugly and be securely fastened.

Put lights on the bike, especially if riding in dark or gloomy conditions.

We have designated on-and off-road cycle routes and are working to build direct links from the cycle network into school premises. If you would like a cycle map of the Borough, they are available in libraries or our cycling and walking officer.

If you have to drive

Park away from the school entrance. You run the risk of a parking ticket on the yellow lines or zigzag markings.

Is there a car park (supermarket, pub, club …) where you could leave your car and walk from? Children do like a bit of exercise before school starts. Even a 5-minute walk will benefit them and helps to reduce congestion by the gates.

Talk to other parents in your area. Could you share rides?

Drop your child off in a safe place. Many of our schools now have a drop-off zone in front of the school. Use it. Let your child out on the pavement side, not into the traffic.

Turn your engine off if you have to wait. 1 in 7 children now have asthma, and idling engines produce 80% more pollution than when the car is moving. Medical evidence shows that there is a link between school gate pollution and the incidence of asthma.