As the new school year starts, Bedford’s fourth ‘School Street’ pilot has arrived at Castle Newnham primary.
This means a term-time closure to motor vehicles of York Street between Rosamond Road and Denmark Street, during drop off and pick up times (8.15-9am and 3-3.45pm). The pilot will run for a school year.
Kat Edwards, Castle Newnham primary head, said: “As a school in the heart of our community, we have always been proud of the number of children who already walk, scoot and cycle to school.
The new School Street now makes it safer and more pleasant for both children and their parents on the journey to school, so we hope this encourages even more families to travel to school actively where possible”.
School Streets is an initiative to create safer streets near schools by helping to reduce traffic and dangerous parking and improving local air quality.
Volunteer marshals at each end of the road, coordinated by Castle & Newnham councillor Lucy Bywater (Green Party), include parents, residents and the chair of governors.
Blue badges, emergency vehicles and parents of children with SEND remain having vehicle access at all times, as do residents of that part of the street.
Pupils and parents of the school are finding the York Street school entrance safer and calmer already. School parent, Karen Knight, said, “My son loves it as he can safely ride down the road. I feel far safer too.”
Green councillor Lucy Bywater, who initiated the School Street, said: “It’s been great working with the school and council to get this off the ground and we’ve had a lot of positive comments from parents and children saying what a difference it makes to them.
“What we need now are more volunteer marshals, so we’d love to hear from parents and locals willing to join the team, even just for the occasional session. It’s an easy way to support our school and community.”
Green councillor Paul Edmonds highlighted that September 25-29 is Cycle to School Week. He added: “A School Street is just one part of safer streets, along with 20mph limits – already brought in across this area – which should help encourage more families to walk and cycle to school. A great way to start and end the day and so much better for our environment.”
For more information and to volunteer, contact: Lucy Bywater on Lucy.Bywater@bedford.gov.uk
Bedford Borough Bulletin – current edition
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