School Journeys Survey

Primary school children in Wales would like better and safer routes to school, and three quarters would like more involvement in deciding how to make streets safer for walking and cycling, according to the results of this survey.

The ‘School Journeys’ report is based on a survey of nearly 1,000 primary school pupils and was produced by Sally Holland, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, and Sustrans Cymru, a sustainable transport charity.

52% of those surveyed either walk or cycle/scoot to school but of those who travel by car or bus, almost a quarter cited fears over road safety as a reason for using motorised transport.

Issues brought up by the children included narrow lanes, busy roads, roads with no crossing points, poor signage and cars speeding.

The results of the survey also show that ‘70 or so’ children mentioned lack of suitable paths as a barrier to them walking, cycling or scooting. In some cases, children indicated that there was no path at all, while in other cases the comments related to improving the quality of paths.

The ‘School Journeys’ survey also highlights that more than three quarters (78%) of children surveyed felt that they should have a say in making the streets safer.

More than 100 children (10%) said that their school does not do anything to help and encourage them to walk or cycle to school. Of the schools that did help, the children said only 10% provided bike/scooter storage, 7% offered cycle lessons/tests, 4% had walking to school initiatives, 5% had parking controls and measures and 6% offered safety talks.