Safer Routes To School
The Safer Routes to School initiative was introduced in 1996, bringing a whole new approach to road safety and school travel.
Designed to address concerns over rising traffic levels and school gate parking issues, the scheme includes:
- broad community consultation
- education initiatives in the classroom
- training for pedestrians and cyclists
- installation of safety features around participating schools.
How 'Safer Routes' works
There are a number of stages to the 'Safer Routes' process, which are outlined below:
Consultation
Consultation with governors, head teachers, staff, parents, and pupils, is carried out, to find out the most commonly used routes to school, and how safe people think they are.
Designs
It's then possible to design safety features which might make those journeys safer for people on foot.
Some of these safety features have included:
- zebra crossings
- pelican crossings
- pedestrian refuges
- speed humps
- road markings.
Training
In addition to the safety installations, schools will undertake education initiatives like pedestrian or cycle training, which we will provide instructors, resources and advice for.
Education
In addition to training, resources and advice can be given to teachers other classroom based activities which are linked to the National Curriculum.
It is important that the safety features be backed up with education initiatives so that people have the knowledge and experience to use them with confidence.
Contacts
If you would like any further information about the Safer Routes to School initiative in Wolverhampton, contact the Road Safety Unit.