TRANSPORT: SCHOOLS
Children were trained in
Bikeability or age-equivalent
cycle training.
The results have been
staggering, with the number
of schoolchildren cycling
regularly to school shooting
up to 20%, from just 2% when
Biking Schools first started at
St Gregory’s as a trial before
beginning in earnest. To put this
in perspective, the average school
cycling levels across the borough
and London stand at 2%.
Bike ownership has increased
among both pupils and teachers and
almost a fifth of pupils were involved in
a bike swap event, recycling their old
bike and riding away with a ‘new’ bike
appropriate for their age and size.
Parents were asked to complete a
questionnaire, and three quarters said
Biking Schools had improved their
child’s confidence in cycling; a third said
it had encouraged their family to cycle
more; and 90% rated the programme as
good, very good or excellent.
In fact, the programme proved such
a success that it is now operating at
two other local schools: William Perkin
High in Greenford and North Ealing
Primary in Ealing.
the enforceable hours, however some
motorists put children in danger by
stopping on them.
The pledges will be accompanied by
a crackdown on bad parking outside
schools using CCTV. Those caught on
the yellow ‘school – keep clear’ zigzag
markings within controlled hours will be
issued with a fine.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet
member for environment, transport
and leisure, said: “Parking on zigzag
lines outside of schools is both
dangerous and selfish. Parents and
head teachers tell me time and time
again they worry about the safety of
our children and these
measures are a strong
message to try to
get through to those
who have previously
decided to flout
the rules.”
PEDAL TO VICTORY
A Big Pedal competition
saw pupils at 10 local
schools try to make
the most journeys by
bike or scooter over a
10-day period.
West Acton Primary
School came top after
achieving 1,680 journeys. The
competition, along with a travel
plan put together by the council
and the school, has seen 16%
of its pupils cycling regularly to
school (previously 7%) and 43%
never being driven to school
(previously 15%).
Big Pedal is a national initiative for
schools. West Acton Primary was
treated to a cycle stunt display
show as a reward for winning.
PARKING CAMPAIGN
The council is working with schools
to encourage parents and drivers
to take a parking pledge –
keeping children safe by
promising to park away from
the school and instead
taking a short walk to the
school gates.
Yellow markings outside
schools provide a clear
space for children to cross
safely where they can see
traffic and traffic can see
them. No parking, waiting or
loading is permitted during
around ealing
Autumn 2015
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