At Iron Acton Primary, we are proud to be part of a travel initiative from Modeshift Stars and we actively promote walking, cycling and scooting to school.
1 in 4 cars in the morning are on the school run, so when children actively travel to school not only do they get
the physical and mental benefits, but it also means there are fewer cars. This means less congestion and
pollution around the school gate, and it makes the roads safer.
If the journey from home is too far to walk or cycle the whole way to school, then Park and Stride is an
alternative option which involves parking the car at least 5-10 minutes away from school and then completing
the rest of the journey actively.
The school has an Active Travel Zone Map, which families can use to see where the 5- and 10-minute walking
zones are around the school. Look out for the Walking Bubble stickers that have been placed on lamp
posts in a 5 minute ‘bubble ‘around the school to make it easier to know where the minimum 5 minute zone is.
Our Active Travel Policy can be found here.
Why is Active Travel important?
- Cleaner air – reducing cars helps reduce air pollution around the school gates.
- Helps tackle climate change – by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars.
- Students are healthier and fitter – young people should have at least an hour of physical activity every day – walking or cycling to school contributes to this time.
- Helps students unwind at the end of the day – walking or cycling home gives them time to think.
- Improves concentration – studies have shown that students who are active are ready to learn and do better in their studies.
- Gives students more independence – walking or cycling without parents helps them develop skills for independent living when they are adults.
- Reduces congestion – as there are less cars on the road, making it more pleasant environment for everyone.
- Quicker than sitting in traffic
- Improves road safety at the school gates – because there is reduced traffic and parked cars.
- It’s cheaper to walk or cycle – as it saves on fuel.
Further information to help you plan active travel for your family can be found from these organisations:
TravelWest – Journey planning and advice on travelling around the South West.
Living Streets – Parent toolkits, activity resources and advice on walking more every day.
Sustrans – a charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle to create healthier places and happier people.
Bikeability is today’s cycle training programme replacing cycling proficiency. The scheme gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling. FREE 1:1 Adult Cycle training for all staff and parents – to book an individual lesson call 01454 863 526, or email: cycle_training@southglos.gov.uk
The Better By Bike website has great cycling resources, including information about where to buy a bike (new or second hand, from local bike shops), as well as a bike journey planner.
Information about fitting a bike helmet correctly can be found here.
Information about planning cycle routes is available from many organisations. There are resources for planning your cycling journeys including advice on quiet roads for your school commute, or leisure rides that will be a fun weekend family activity:
Better by Bike Route Planner – enter your start and end point and the map will suggest 3 cycle routes for fastest, quietest, and ‘balanced’ journey.
‘Komoot’ route planner & tracker can be used on your computer or downloaded as a phone app. You can record your journeys on Komoot to learn from favourite rides and log your pedal miles.
Downloadable maps detail on-road and traffic-free cycleways across South Gloucestershire. They are good for getting a general sense of the cycle options in your neighbourhood without planning a specific route. Try these here.
