Pupils call for better and safer routes to schools
PUPILS across Wales want better and safer routes to schools, a report published today has found.
A survey of 1,000 children aged five to 11, commissioned by Children’s Commissioner Sally Holland and sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru, revealed 78% would like more of a say in making Wales’ streets safer to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
The report highlighted road traffic as a common barrier to children making their own way to school and many felt their “only option” was travelling in a car or bus.
Other issues raised included the lack of suitable paths with many children commenting on poor quality of pavements, footpaths and cycle paths – or a complete lack of them altogether.
Children surveyed said fewer cars speeding, safer crossings, and more cycle racks would make it easier for them to walk, cycle or scoot to school.
Professor Holland, who will launch her report at Ysgol Gynradd Rhosybol on Anglesey, said: “The benefits of active travel are clear. Children have rights that are linked to travelling to school and within their communities by bike, scooter or by walking.
“For instance the right to be safe, to be healthy, to have their voices heard, to meet up with friends, to play and to go to school.”
Prof Holland said lots of children use their journey to school to be sociable and to chat and play with friends and family.
“They also spoke about the health benefits,” she said. “Of course, some things are less enjoyable – like bad weather, fast cars and careless parking. Perhaps the most striking statistic from the survey is that 78% of children think they should have a say in planning routes to school.
“They also have clear ideas about how this can be done. The challenge now is for local decision-makers to make this happen.
“Children and young people often come up with imaginative and innovative ideas which benefit the whole community.”
Sustrans Cymru said only 35% of Welsh children were getting the recommended hour of physical activity they need every day.
It championed, walking or cycling the school run as “an obvious and effective way for children to become more physically active”.
Jane Lorimer, national director for Sustrans Cymru, said: “The Active Travel Act has given Wales the opportunity to transform itself into a country where walking and cycling are the most natural and normal ways of getting around.
“We believe the starting point for this must be our children. Giving children the support they need to walk or cycle to school on a regular basis could radically change Wales’ position as the least physically active nation in the UK.”
Prof Holland added: “We all want to ensure happier, healthier and safer children. We must make sure that children and young people are part of that discussion and I believe this report is a useful start which I hope will prompt others.”
A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government said: “We have made it clear that we expect local authorities to consult with children and young people when identifying and developing active travel routes and have given them extra time to do so.
“We are investing in cycle and pedestrian training for children and fund many local improvements to create safe walking and cycling routes to schools.”