North Yorks Mayor launches £1 million Active Travel Fund in Harrogate to support safer school runs
A pioneering School Street initiative in Harrogate has been hailed by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire after it was revealed that 90 per cent of pupils now walk or cycle to school.
Talking during a visit to Oatlands Junior School to announce a new £1 million Active Travel Fund to transform everyday journeys and support safer school runs, David Skaith said Harrogate was showing the way forward.
“Walking, wheeling and cycling should be part of a safer, happier school run,” said the Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.
"It’s fun, it’s healthy, and it’s precious quality time for children at the start and end of the day.
"That’s why I’m kickstarting a revolution in active travel.
"Through the Mayor’s Active Travel Fund, I’m putting power into the hands of local people to create safer routes and to build healthier and greener places for generations to come.”
The introduction of a School Streets initiative on Beechwood Grove, where Oatlands Junior School is situated, was the first of its kind in North Yorkshire.
Thanks to the efforts of campaigners, parents and teachers over the last 18 months, the school has transformed how parents drop off and pick up children with measures that have boosted active travel.
In the process, a congested road has turned into a safer space where up to 100 people join a fortnightly bike bus.
Drew Morley, Deputy Headteacher at Oatlands Junior School, said: “We were delighted to see the launch of the Mayor’s Active Travel Fund for communities.
“It will be fantastic for other school children in the region to benefit from the road safety and active travel initiatives here like the school street, 20mph scheme and Oatlands Bike Bus, which enable safer, active and healthier journeys to and from school.”
Other joint initiatives at both Oatlands Infant and Junior Schools include a bike library, park and stride, 20mph speed limits and regular Dr Bike sessions to keep cycles in top condition.
Joint Oatlands Infant and Junior School projects
Bike Bus (funded by North Yorkshire Sport, supported by WalkBikeScoot, Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust and Sustrans).
Park and Stride.
Infant School only projects
Bike Library (funded by North Yorkshire Sport, supported by Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust)..
Free and subsidised cycling lessons on site with Ready Steady Pedal (funded by North Yorkshire Sport)
Junior School only projects
Active street.
The Mayor’s Active Travel Fund is part of Mayor David Skaith’s £7 million Moving Forward campaign to create a healthier and more thriving county.
Among its aims are to:
Improve walking routes.
Increase accessibility, such as dropped kerbs.
Build skills and confidence through cycle training or safe spaces.
Encourage behaviour change, such as School Streets, bike buses and park and stride schemes.
Provide secure cycle storage.
The deadline for community organisations, businesses, charities and schools wishing to apply is Friday, April 10.
More information at: https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/mayors-active-travel-fund/