We’re working with schools to provide a range of practical resources that help develop the foundations of road safety skills from early childhood through teenage years to adulthood.
- it lays the foundations for road safety through teenage years into adult life
- it helps keep children safe around school, on trips and when out in Bristol
- it can be included as part of many areas of the curriculum, including subjects such as Maths, Geography and Science
- it's an important part of the Modeshift STARS travel plan
School Crossing Patrols (SCPs)
We provide SCPs to help children as they travel to and from school.
Primary school children are often still developing their road safety awareness and skills and may not always be able to judge traffic speeds or distances accurately. SCPs provide a visible presence on busy roads, helping to slow traffic and create a safer environment for children to cross.
They also offer guidance and assistance to children, ensuring they cross the road safely and in a timely manner.
Contact road.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Early years and reception road safety kit
We can supply a range of equipment to use to help young children begin to understand the road and how they should keep themselves safe.
There are also session ideas and advice on how to introduce the subject.
Contact road.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Show You Care, Park Elsewhere
A campaign encouraging responsible parking outside schools to help create a safer, more efficient, and more pleasant environment for everyone.
These campaigns are important for several reasons:
- Child safety: parking illegally or inconsiderately near schools can create hazards for children walking or cycling to and from school. Double parking, blocking pavements and parking in areas with limited visibility can make it difficult for drivers to see children which increases the risk of accidents
- Traffic congestion: parking near schools during drop-off and pick-up times can contribute to traffic congestion, making it harder for everyone to get where they need to go. This can lead to increased pollution and to stress for drivers
- Community well-being: inconsiderate parking can disrupt the lives of residents near schools. It can block access to driveways or for emergency vehicles and create noise and pollution
- Promoting sustainable transport: 'Show You Care, Park Elsewhere' campaigns encourage people to walk, cycle, or use public transport to get to school whenever possible. This promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces environmental impact, and helps to create a more sustainable community. By parking responsibly, people can help to create a safer, more efficient, and more pleasant environment for everyone
- All schools in Bristol have enforceable yellow zig-zag lines to indicate areas that must be kept clear. Anyone found parking on them is liable to a fine. Schools are regularly monitored by our camera car and Civil Enforcement Officers
For more information about the services we provide for KS1 Nursery and Primary, email road.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Cycle training
Develops basic skills through games and activities in a safe, traffic-free environment.
Session types:
- Balance - skills training for ages 3-5, builds confidence and balance on 2 wheels.
- Learn to Ride - teaching children of all ages to ride without stabilisers.
Trail Blazers (year 3)
Trail Blazers is a practical session that gives young children a fun way to talk about road safety issues around their school.
Pupils are given a set of photos of local streets around the school (provided by our road safety team) which they use to discuss issues such as where is best to cross or what road signs mean. This photographic resource is left with the school for future use.
Requirements:
- Adult helpers needed from school (1:6 ratio)
- Session lasts approximately 1 hour
- One class at any one time
Contact road.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Speed awareness (year 6)
Speed awareness classes are important for children because they help them develop a strong foundation of road safety knowledge and skills.
These classes teach children about the dangers of speeding and the importance of drivers obeying speed limits.
Children work in groups to record data about vehicle speeds, driver distractions and types of vehicles on the road near their school.
This is followed by a classroom discussion, where pupils look at their findings and consider the implications for themselves as they become more independent travellers and move on to secondary school. They also consider common traffic issues.
Requirements:
- Adult helpers from the school (1:6 ratio)
- Session lasts approximately 90 minutes
Contact road.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Bikeability Level 1 (years 3 and 4) and Level 2 (years 5 and 6)
Further develop bike skills through games and activities.
Session types:
- Bikeability Level 1 - for ages 7 to 9 (year 3 and 4) introduces basic cycling skills through fun activities in the playground.
- Bikeability Level 2 - for ages 9 to 11 (year 5 and 6) teaches on-road skills to enable children to make local cycle journeys.
Bikeability Level 3 for age 11 upwards (Years 7 to 13)
Advanced skills to enable riders to cope with all road conditions, including their home to school journey.
To enquire about Bikeability courses, email road.safety@bristol.gov.uk
Or visit the Bikeability website.
Safer Routes to School
Safer Routes to School is a programme designed to promote safer, more environmentally sustainable and healthier ways for children to travel to and from school.
- Measures could include minor works, such as warning signs and road markings, or larger schemes such as traffic calming and pedestrian crossings
- Measures will be based on School Travel Plans and will include consultation with residents and police
- Minor works will be prioritised chronologically and will depend on annual budgets