School Streets is an initiative that sees the road outside a school become a temporary pedestrianised and cycle area during the 'school run' (morning and afternoon dropoff/collection). The programme has also been shown to deliver healthier, safer and more connected communities. By reducing traffic congestion and air pollution, they create calmer environments where children can travel actively and parents feel reassured about safety. According to national reporting, schools involved in similar schemes have seen improved attendance, reduced road danger, and stronger community engagement.
SASP has been working with Somerset Council who have funded this initiative, piloting School Streets at five schools across the county including Otterhampton Primary School, Wembdon St George's Church School, Bruton Primary School, Ruishton Church of England Primary School and Birchfield Community Primary School.
Head teacher Clare Wallace from Wembdon St George's School, said the school had seen a difference since the trial began. SASP project officer Scott Brooks said, "Walking to school is a great way to start the day. "It's healthier, provides great social interaction... it reduces emissions, so it's a great scheme all round."
One of the school’s team highlighted the impact, “What we’ve already seen is absolute freedom for the children and their families to walk up and down the street without worrying about moving out of the way of cars trying to manoeuvre between them.”
This partnership reflects SASP’s wider mission, to promote active travel, inclusion and healthier lifestyles. By embedding School Streets into local schools, SASP is helping families experience the benefits of walking and cycling as part of daily routines.
Local residents have shared positive feedback too, “One gentleman said he felt like he’d been trapped inside his house for the last 10 years… and now he doesn’t feel that way.”
Families are echoing this sentiment, “Lots of families have been sharing concerns about safety… and are already saying ‘well done to the school’.”
Take a look at our evaluation report HERE.
We look forward to bringing more information around the progress and impact from the 5 initiatives soon. For more information around School Streets, visit: School Streets Initiative - All the information you need and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (Formally Sustrans) Monitoring the impact of School Streets: safety and traffic displacement - Walk Wheel Cycle Trust