Modeshift

 

Modeshift STARS

https://www.modeshiftstars.org/

 

Modeshift STARS is the Centre of Excellence for the delivery of Effective Travel Plans in Education, Business and Community settings. The scheme recognises schools, businesses and other organisations that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.

The Modeshift STARS online Travel Plan Toolkit provides a comprehensive Travel Plan tool that assists in:

• Creating, developing and implementing Travel Plans
• Monitoring and evaluating Travel Plans and the initiatives contained within them
• Recognising and rewarding excellence in the promotion of sustainable and active travel

 

#StaySafeGetActive Walking Bubbles

https://www.modeshiftstars.org/staysafegetactive/

 

Time to transform the school run

Did you know six out of 10 parents are concerned about increased levels of traffic once lockdown is lifted? We’ve created our Walking Bubbles, so you don’t have to be.

After most of us began working and learning from home in March, the recently announced return to school may feel pretty daunting, but we want to help yours go as smoothly as possible. Around 80 per cent of parents say that restricting vehicle access near schools at certain times of the day would help their family be more active, and these walking bubbles will do just that.

Walking, cycling or scooting to school are the most accessible ways to reduce congestion and pollution, while also improving the mental and physical wellbeing of pupils. As we emerge from the Covid-19 lockdown, the benefits it brings are more important than ever. That’s why we’ve launched our Walking Bubbles, to encourage everyone who can, to ‘Get Active’ on their journeys to and from school.

Our Walking Bubbles will also encourage families that have to travel by car to park at least 5-minutes away from school, creating a safer space for walking, cycling or scooting. By placing these restrictions, we also reduce the number of cars parked on pavements outside and close to the school gates, which is one of the main concerns parents have when walking to school. Reducing vehicles and creating more space will also make it much easier for families to socially distance and feel safer around school grounds.

 

School Streets

https://www.modeshiftstars.org/schools-streets/

 

School Streets schemes aim to transform roads outside schools, so that pedestrians and cyclists can use them at school start and finish times. Removing vehicles outside the school gates makes the space safer, less polluted and more pleasant, making it easier and safer to walk and cycle to school. They create a more pleasant environment for everyone, whilst making sure that residents, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists can still use the road. 

Main aims of School Streets schemes:

• Reduce volume of traffic using roads past school gates, both school-run and through traffic;
• Improve air quality in and around school gates;
• Increase number of pupils walking and cycling to school; and
• Reduce the number of pupils arriving at school by car 

 

Dates for the diary:

  

Sustrans Big Pedal 19 -30 April

This year’s challenge is open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK, giving the chance of winning fabulous prizes every day!  On each day, schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils, staff and parents cycling, walking, scooting or using a wheelchair to school. Free daily resources will encourage pupils to see their local area from a new perspective, learn about the benefits of getting to school actively and discover amazing journeys to school from around the world. Visit www.bigpedal.org.uk to sign up.

 

Walk to school week 17 -21 May

The five-day walking challenge aimed at primary schools is a fun and engaging week-long activity, raising awareness and celebrating walking for all. This year’s challenge will focus on the walking superpowers that benefit individuals, communities and the planet.  Through the week, pupils will be introduced to the Walking Superpowers who will teach them all about these benefits and reinforce the power of walking, superhero style! Find our more at walk to school week 2021.

Cycling UK Bike Week 6– 14 June 2021

Cycling has been a great release for many families during the pandemic and we hope you’ll continue to enjoy cycling with the family and celebrate by taking part in the Bike Week festivities. To help keep families active, a free Bike Week resource pack has been created with indoor and outdoor activities you can do as a family.

Brakes National Road Safety Week November 2021- No Need for Speed

West Midlands Fire Service supported the campaign by running a West Midlands primary schools’ poster competition.