Staff and pupils at a Bournemouth school have been awarded for their excellence in sustainable travel.
Bethany Junior School in Boscombe received the Sustrans Bronze School Mark for encouraging their staff and pupils to cycle, scoot, or walk to and from school through a range of interactive activities and events.
In just one year, the school has seen an impressive increase in the number of children regularly travelling to school sustainably, with almost three quarters now walking at least once a week.
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment said, “I would like to congratulate all staff and pupils for their efforts to travel in more active and sustainable ways. This is a fantastic achievement for Bethany Junior School and it’s great to see that they’ve been recognised for their efforts.”
Bournemouth Borough Council is working with Sustrans to help schools increase the number of pupils scooting, walking or cycling. Encouraging more people to travel sustainably will mean less congestion on the town’s roads and will contribute towards building a better Bournemouth. The Sustrans School Mark is awarded to schools that go above and beyond to encourage pupils and staff to choose more active and sustainable forms of travel.
Councillor Smith, continued, “As a town we are committed to making travel easier, safer and more attractive so we can encourage more people to walk, or cycle in and around Bournemouth.”
As part of their efforts to boost active travel, Bethany Junior School installed new cycle and scooter storage, funded by Bournemouth Borough Council; as well as holding regular interactive events designed to encourage and support children travelling by bike, scooter or foot.
Emily Goldsmith, Sustrans Bike It Plus Officer said, “The staff, children and parents at Bethany School have done amazingly well to receive this award in just under a year.
“It’s wonderful to see so many children having fun walking, cycling and scooting to school – and it’s great for their health and confidence too.”
In honour of their achievement, pupils enjoyed a fun-packed day of events including a free breakfast for everyone who cycled or scooted to school, and a celebratory assembly where they were presented with their award.
Bethany Junior School will now begin working towards the silver award, which will require them to expand their activities and encourage even more pupils to give walking, scooting and cycling a go.