Active School Commuting

'Back to School' students are being encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or take public transport

Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging students to walk, scoot, cycle or travel by public transport when they go back to school in the coming days.

Lockdown helped to show us all the benefits of getting out and walking or cycling by keeping us fit and aiding our mental health. Combine this with students doing their bit to support the environment and helping to reduce congestion and improve road safety round their schools, the message is clear — walk, cycle, scoot or catch public transport to school.

"Walking, cycling or scooting to school is great for health, socialising and for the environment," said Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport.

Steve explained that "parents driving children to school are one of the main contributors to localised congestion and road safety issues around schools and so — where possible — I'd encourage students to put their best foot forward and walk, bike, scooter or take the bus or train to school."

Over 50 schools in Buckinghamshire have active school travel plans and many more take part in the WOW tracker programme that rewards children for travelling by more sustainable travel modes.

Results of the most recent 'Travel to School in Haddenham' survey can be seen here

"The survey revealed a huge level of concern about road safety amongst parents," says HaddSWAC chair Alan Thawley.

"We support children walking or cycling to school where possible but a lot of improvements are needed. The advisory 20 mph limit has made a small difference but only covers a tiny area and is regularly ignored."

"We have high hopes that the Parish Council's streetscapes project will address speed across the village, as well as removing dangerous features like the double roundabout."