More children are being encouraged to use active travel to get to and from school as part of a new scheme.
The Isle of Wight Council has appointed cycling and walking charity Sustrans to inspire young people to get to school by walking, cycling or scooting.
The project sees Sustrans engage with schools to provide training, advice and incentives to increase participation. To date, 30 Isle of Wight schools have signed up to the initiative, with the aim of engaging all schools on the Island over the next nine months.
The £150,000 project is one of a number of initiatives being funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF). The council has recently secured nearly £1 million to deliver sustainable transport projects under LSTF which boost the economy and reduce carbon emissions.
Other projects include an electric vehicle hire scheme, adult cycle training, and grant funds which businesses and organisations can apply for funding to deliver their own sustainable transport projects.
Councillor Luisa Hillard, Executive member for sustainability, said:
“The funding from LSTF is already making a difference and this programme of school engagement will enable young people to realise the health benefits of active travel. It will also help schools achieve their sustainability targets as they all have sustainable transport plans.
“At the same time, it is helping reduce congestion on the school run during peak times”.
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Megan Streb, smarter choices coordinator at Sustrans added:
“We are excited to be bringing our schools work onto the Isle of Wight and giving children and their families the opportunity to transform their school journey.
“From guided rides during the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival to bicycle and scooter skills as part of the Activ8 summer programme including lots of work in schools, we will be bringing opportunities to enjoy walking, scooting and cycling to thousands of school children.”
More details about LSTF and the benefits it is bringing are available on www.iwight.com.
