Road safety officials in Leeds say more than 200 pupils in Leeds have become the latest local youngsters to benefit from a scheme that makes journeys to and from school safer, healthier and more enjoyable.
School Streets aims to create a safer and more pleasant environment for children and families by restricting motorised traffic and turning the space outside school gates into a pedestrian and cyclist-only zone during pick-up and drop-off times.
A total of 15 schools in Leeds have previously signed up to the scheme, which aims to ease traffic congestion and tackle poor air quality while also improving safety.
Now two more – Ireland Wood Primary and St Bartholomew’s Primary – have followed suit.
A celebration event has been held at Ireland Wood Primary School to mark the introduction of its new School Street on Raynel Gardens.
Leeds City Council’s new safe and sustainable travel mascot, Arlo the Owl, named by pupils from the school, guided pupils from the Park and Stride location at High Farm car park, across the new School Street, showcasing the benefits of a vehicle-free environment.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:
“I’m thrilled to see two more schools joining the School Streets programme in Leeds this year, as it continues to make a significant difference in promoting road safety and sustainability in local communities. With just over 30% of primary school children in Leeds still driven to school, the school run contributes to congestion, pollution, and increased road safety risks around schools.
“School Streets are a key part of our commitment to Vision Zero, the council’s ambition to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries by 2040. By creating safer, vehicle-free spaces, we’re making the journey to school healthier for children and their families. This initiative aligns with our vision of making Leeds a city where you don’t need a car.”
Last year, 28,955 school children across Leeds participated in 596 sessions that the council’s road safety trainers delivered to promote safe and sustainable travel.
(Picture – Leeds City Council)
