Cycling and walking to school

The Council has recently commenced East Renfrewshire's first Safe Routes To School (SRTS) project. This initiative aims to improve safety for pupils travelling to and from school, particularly for those who walk or cycle, and to reduce the numbers of parents' cars causing congestion and danger around schools.

Many pupils and parents already walk to/ from school with most primary school pupils from greater than one mile away travelling to school by bus. However, approximately 20% of traffic during the morning peak period is on the 'school run' and the problems of parking and congestion near school gates have become major concerns for all head teachers. The SRTS concept has been developing in Britain in recent years from work carried out in countries like The Netherlands and Denmark. As the name suggests, Safe Routes should minimise the risk of a young person being injured whilst walking or cycling to/from school.

East Renfrewshire's pilot SRTS project is being conducted at Kirkhill Primary School with the co-operation of the Roads & Transportation Division, the school (staff, pupils & parents) and the Education Department.

More information for parents, kids and teachers about cycling to school can be found at Cycling Scotland's Guide to Cycling to School.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Where can I find information on school Walking Buses
• A: You can get information on school Walking Buses by contacting:
  
  Head of Roads, Planning and Transportation
  2 Speirsbridge Way
  Speirsbridge Business Park
  Thornliebank
  G46 8NG
  
  Telephone: (0141) 577 3417