Safer Routes to School - Information for Parents

There are many things that you as a parent can do to ensure that the ‘Safer Routes to School’ initiative runs successfully at your local school.

Don’t rule out the possibility of walking or cycling to school.

If you have the time, and your child is too young to travel alone, walk or cycle with them. It might not take as long as you think and there are health benefits for you too. If your child is older, encourage them to walk or cycle with friends.

Work with others.

Ask the school and Parent Council if there are plans for a ‘walking bus’, ‘park and stride’, ‘cycling train’ or cycling proficiency schemes at your childs school. If enough interest is shown, your school may look at developing these schemes. If you have a little time, volunteer.

Have you thought about cycling?

Boy on bike We can all remember the joy of cycling when we were young but are we letting our children build the same memories? Although a huge percentage of children still own bikes, they spend less time riding them than in past years.

Why should children cycle to school?

Tackling obesity: Around one fifth of all children are over weight or obese. Regular cycling is an ideal form of exercise.
Long term health: Children who cycle are more likely to cycle as adults.
Road Safety: With cycle training and riding experience, children develop better road safety skills than children who are driven to school.
Environment: Cars cause pollution, congestion and accidents outside the school gates and many of them do not need to be there.
Academic achievement: Children who are physically active arrive alert and achieve better results at school.
Meeting the children’s needs: When asked, older children say cycling is the way they most want to come to school. It teaches them independence and responsibility. And it’s fun!

(Information supplied by Bike It)

Going to drive?

Park away - If you are dropping or collecting a child, park away from the school. Pedestrians are safer if the area around the school is not congested. A 10% drop in traffic congestion outside schools in the morning would mean 200 fewer deaths and injuries on our roads each year.
Never park on the zigzags – not even for a minute. The zigzags are there so children can see the road and be seen from the road, as they leave school.
Never park or turn on school grounds.
Never park on double yellow lines.
Never park on corners.
Slow down – Younger children find it hard to judge the speed at which a car is travelling and may cross when they should not. The slower you are travelling, the faster you will be able to stop.
Respect the School Crossing Patrol – Do not assume that someone else will stop, never drive on until the crosser and children are safely on the pavement, do not park where the crossers are working.
Take responsibility for the road at the front of your school.
Do not walk your child through the school car park.
Consider setting up a car share scheme with friends. It will save you time and money and you can still help cut congestion and pollution.

Railway Crossings Operational

Be aware that level crossings along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link are now being used. Vehicles and pedestrians must obey any stop signals displayed.

To view or download copies of the Safety Guides for Footpath Crossings and Manually Controlled Barrier Crossings, you can visit the Transport Scotland website.

Further Information

For further information on ‘Safer Routes to Schools’ and ‘School Travel Plans’ please contact the School Travel Coordinator using the details below, or why not have a look at some related websites in the 'External Links' section below?