Safe Ways to School is a community engagement project (part of Active Whakatāne) that uses in-class and online surveys, as well as geospatial mapping technology, to engage the school community and gather insights for targeted infrastructure and community-wide programmes that promote safe, active travel to and from school (and reduce congestion at the school gate).
"We want to partner with our schools, whānau and wider community to see everyone enjoying the benefits of less car-use and more active travel."
Will the streets be made safer for active travel?
They sure will! We're committed to seeing infrastructure developed that will encourage active travel in community. But, to get our infrastructure (and programmes to encourage active travel) right, we need the Whakatāne community to help us identify the best value-for-money safety and route improvements. These could include minor path improvements, maintenance, lighting, signs and marking. It could also include cycling infrastructure throughout our community.
We see 'Safe Ways to School' as just the start of a collaborative relationship between schools, the Whakatāne District Council and the whānau of our community. We need to work together to make active travel the safe and easy option for everyone.
Why get involved?
Walking, scooting, skating and cycling to school starts a habit that can last a lifetime! The benefits are clear:
- Congestion is reduced near the school
- Children who are active before school are more ready to learn
- Daily activity helps maintain a healthy body weight
- Lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Active travel is social and fun for children and their whānau
- Self-directed travel is proven to enhance children's development – they acquire road safety skills and confidence
- Saves $ - not having to drive to and from school, some or all of the time
- Builds community (the school’s neighbours aren’t keen on all that traffic either!).
What does my school have to do/invest?
That depends on how much you want to get out of it! We would love to work with your staff and use the insight and relationships you have with your wider school community to ensure our engagement efforts are appropriate and successful!
We'll need a little staff time to facilitate a survey and post information via the school app, social media and webpage.
If you’re keen, we'd also love to support student leaders in helping us promote the project, undertake some auditing and coordinate a class competition (with prizes!).
Your school will get a Safe Ways to School TRAVEL PLAN!
This will be packed full of useful information that you helped us collect. Your Travel Plan will be a valuable resource that provides opportunities and guidance for whānau, schools and the community to work together to make active travel the safe and easy option for EVERYONE!
