Evaluation of the National Network of Child Pedestrian Training Pilot Projects (Kerbcraft)

This field trial operated in a variety of settings, taking rurality, ethnicity and social deprivation into account.

This study has contributed to two approaches related to reducing health inequalities:

• Strengthening individuals, by increasing children’s pedestrian skills and enhancing the range of volunteers’ skills.
• Strengthening communities, by recruiting and retaining large numbers of community volunteers and strengthening their links with schools and local authorities.

In relation to Kerbcraft’s impact on behaviour, the study found strong statistical evidence of positive impact of training in all three skills. There was no gender difference for baseline performance or impact of Kerbcraft training;

• The programme had an impact on schools, communities and volunteers. Kerbcraft improved relationships between the schools and parents. Positive opportunities were provided for volunteers to develop social contacts, feel valued and take advantage of educational and employment opportunities;
• Cost effectiveness analysis showed that costs of training in a sample of local authorities ranged from £28 to £99 per child. The cost of Kerbcraft in six of the local authorities was below £40;
• Factors for success of schemes included: skills and ability of the co-ordinator; supply of volunteers; co-operation of schools; innovation and creativity in the delivery of training; and timetabling training to avoid clashes;
• Issues relating to setting up, management and maintenance of schemes included that Road Safety Officers and co-ordinators were more positive in the later tranches of the funding when early problems were addressed. Training and support of co-ordinators were essential ingredients;
• Sustainability of schemes beyond the initial funding period has resulted in a wide range of funding sources being accessed to sustain schemes. Some schemes from the earlier tranches have continued operating in a modified format.