Schools across Kirklees have benefitted from new bicycle and scooter storage thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. As part of the Councils commitment to increase safe and sustainable travel to school, the funding worth a total of £64,100 has enabled the installation of new storage facilities in 27 of Kirklees’ local schools.
This project is a vital part of the work and the council plans to increase the number of pupils and staff who travel actively to and from school. Studies suggest children who ride their bike or scooter to school are happier, healthier, and more engaged in the classroom. And an increase in other modes of transport will enviably reduce traffic around the school gates, helping to improve air quality.
It is hoped by providing secure storage it will help encourage more children to scoot or cycle knowing they can easily and securely store their bikes and scooters on arrival at school.
Of the 27 schools, primary and secondary schools who applied for cycle and scooter storage, 11 of which are already signed up to Modeshift, have gained a total of 148 bicycle parking spaces and 240 scooter parking spaces. In addition to dedicated storage space other benefits include security and protection from the weather.
27 of the primary and secondary schools who applied for cycle and scooter storage have gained 148 bicycle and 240 scooter parking spaces. 11 of these schools are working with the Council’s Road Safety team on the Modeshift scheme.
Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for Environment said, “The impact of more sustainable and active travel should not be underestimated. The positive effects of choosing an active mode of transport to get to and from school has on both adults and children’s wellbeing, as well the knock-on effect to the environment is significant with improved air quality and less congestion on the roads.
The funding that was received has gone a long way to help our schools promote active travel to and from schools. It has allowed schools to begin or continue to build their Modeshift STARS travel plans. It is great to see 11 of our Modeshift schools gaining this extra support to promote safe and active travel.”
Schools wanting to find out more about the scheme should visit the Modeshift Stars website, and if they then need advice and support on how to start the process, they should contact Kirklees Council’s Road Safety officers via Highways.ROSS@kirklees.gov.uk.
