We at Gamlingay First School are committed to improving the way in which our children can travel to school. As a result of this we are going to make an application under the Safer Routes to School scheme which is a long term project over two years which can offer significant benefit to the children travelling to school and the safety of the overall community.

Aims of the project

• To create a safe, healthy environment so that children and young people can travel to and from school using sustainable transport such as cycling and walking, thereby increasing their independence, health and fitness
• To reduce the reliance on the car by providing pupils and parents with viable alternatives
• To increase the physical activity and fitness levels of pupils
• To improve road safety, confidence and independence of children on the way to and from school

How will Gamlingay First School benefit?

Promoting walking and cycling along safer routes will provide many benefits for the school. They include:

• Healthier pupils and staff
• Reduced congestion around the school
• Improved roadcraft and awareness in children
• Safer routes for the whole community
• Positive image for the school

Potential measures for improvement

The use of sustainable transport is encourage by the introduction of

• A Walking Bus
• Car Sharing
• Distance Parking
• Walk & Talk
• Cycle Training

Where appropriate, environmental improvements can be offered by

• Cycle paths
• Cycle racks and shelters on site
• Improved signing and road markings
• Parking restrictions
• Pedestrian crossing facilities
• Footway improvements & new paths
• Speed reduction measures

This is a major project to be undertaken by the school and we need your help and co-operation in order to be successful.

We will be sending out surveys to be completed by all the parents shortly, a copy of the survey will also be available on the website. We need as many as people as possible to complete and return the survey if we are to be successful in our application. Thank you for your help.