Children at two city primary schools have been enjoying a safer, more pleasant journey to and from the classroom.
They’ve been benefitting from two new School Streets schemes installed at St Paul’s and Fairlight primaries.
Since the start of the new school year, children, parents, carers and school staff have been able to use a road that’s free from traffic during school pick-up and drop-off times.
The schemes have also included making crossing points wider and putting in new green spaces.
It takes the number of primary schools with a School Streets scheme up to 15.
Read more about School Streets in Brighton & Hove.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport, Parking and Public Realm, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our School Streets initiatives and the positive impact they’re having. They make roads outside schools safer, improve the air quality, reduce antisocial parking and encourage active and sustainable travel.
“I’m very pleased we’ve also made junctions near the two schools safer and easier to cross. If we want to encourage more people to walk, cycle or scoot, it’s important we provide them with good infrastructure.”
Picture: The junction outside St Paul's Primary School in Brighton
As well as the two new School Streets, we’ve also been helping to promote active and sustainable travel across the city.
We’re delivering 3 balance bikes to each of 29 primary schools across the city, making 87 in total, which will help children take their first ‘steps’ into the world of cycling, improving their gross motor skills and physical activity.
Class teacher Becky Miller at Aldrington Primary School said: 'The bikes are really accessible for beginners, so the children who haven't previously ridden a balance bike can balance right from the start.
“They have been able to move slowly and turn corners, and they have been really excited to improve their skills!”
Councillor Muten added: “Our schools are a great place for children to begin to learn the value and benefits of active travel. The balance bikes will give them the chance to experience two wheels for the first time and, hopefully, develop a love for cycling.
Picture: Balance bikes were delivered to schools by e-cargo bike
But it’s not just the children who are benefitting from our work.
Working with our cycle hangar partner Falco, they’ve been able to donate a cycle shelter for staff at Cardinal Newman school.
The shelter has been used by several staff since the start of the new term.
School Business Manager Jane Burroughs said: “We are extremely grateful to have received the covered bike shelter from Brighton & Hove City Council
"This together with other shelters which we have put in means that we can offer excellent covered bike parking for both our staff and students and they are all being very well used.”
Picture: The cycle hangar being used at Cardinal Newman school
