'Walk to School Week, 2006' saw children from 41 schools across Islington putting their best feet forward and enjoying a healthy journey to school.
There were 'School - Keep Clear!' activities at St Joseph's Primary and St Joan of Arc Primary schools, in which children, traffic police and members of the Council's Road Safety Team handed out safety leaflets and spoke to parents about safety issues caused by parking around the school gates.
Councillor Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, said:
"Road safety officers have worked with the schools to promote the school gate road safety message.
And what better ambassadors for the scheme than the children themselves, who can be vulnerable to accidents on their journey to and from school.
Drivers who park on the zig-zags reduce the visibility of children crossing the road - so we are asking them to park considerately.
Better still, why not consider healthier and more sustainable alternatives to the school run - like walking, cycling or the bus."
Junior Road Safety Officer, Stephanie Obi, aged 11, said:
"It was very interesting. We hope we got through to the parents and encourage them to walk to school instead of using their cars."
Shirley Richards, Deputy Head of St Joseph's, said:
"The Junior Road Safety Officers identified that parking at the school gates was a danger to those children who walk to school. It seemed appropriate that we should raise awareness during Walk to School Week."
There was also a Walking Bus at Ambler Primary School, in which a group of children walked to school in bright yellow hi-visibility jackets accompanied by parents, teachers and members of the Council's Road Safety Team. They were greeted by Charlie the Chicken, the Council's road safety mascot who then went to the school's daily breakfast club with the children.
Schools all over the borough also received free resources including stickers, posters, bookmarks and certificates to further raise awareness of the campaign messages to:
· Reduce pollution by encouraging parents to leave their car at home and walk to school
· Reduce congestion caused by cars parked outside schools
· Encourage parents and children to change their daily routine
Children who walk regularly will gain a number of benefits including learning about their local environment and acquiring valuable road safety skills. They will also enjoy the advantages of having regular exercise.
Walk to School Week is one of several initiatives run by the Road Safety and Special Projects Unit to raise awareness of road safety in schools across Islington. Others include Kerbcraft (pedestrian training for Year 1), Walk Safer (pedestrian training for Year 4), Junior Road Safety Officers (Year 6) and School Travel Plans.
For further information on the Walk to School Week campaign, visit www.walktoschool.org.uk or contact Jason Newton in the Road Safety and Special Projects Team.
Email: jason.newton@islington.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7527 2319
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008