Do you worry about the safety of children on their way to school? Are you concerned about the decline in walking and cycling and the impact this has on their health and our environment?

A recent debate in the House of Commons addressed these crucial issues, exploring how we can create safer routes and encourage more active travel to school. This episode highlights the key discussions and potential solutions that were raised, which are vital for the well-being of our children and communities.

Key Points Discussed:

• Worrying Trends: The sharp drop in children walking or cycling to school since the 1970s, now with only 3% cycling nationally
• Children's Desire: Many children want to walk, wheel, or cycle more but need to feel safe
• The Danger: Road casualties are unacceptably high, with danger greatest near schools
• Infrastructure Matters: The need for safe, high-quality streets and segregated cycle paths, especially at junctions and in new developments. Examples from the Netherlands and low-cost UK solutions were mentioned.
• Training is Key: Bikeability training builds confidence and safety skills, significantly increasing the intent to cycle to school
• Policy Barriers: Pavement parking was a major concern, highlighting the need for better enforcement powers for councils.
• Proven Solutions: School Streets and 20 mph zones are effective in creating safer environments around schools
• Upcoming Strategy: The new national road safety strategy is a critical opportunity to address these issues comprehensively
• Government Action: The Minister highlighted the role of Active Travel England, ongoing strategy development, and announced funding for active travel.

Source: Road Safety and Active Travel to School
Volume 765: debated on Tuesday 22 April 2025

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.