The study found a desire for better public transport,while many parents identified safety as a hurdle. The children,who walk slower,wanted more time to cross at the lights.
Families wanted better infrastructure,including separate,off-road bike paths and a well-connected footpath network.
“Bikeways on the road do not work for young children due to the risk that they will fall or swerve accidently onto the road,” one parent said.
Some parents requested a reduction in the speed limits around schools,which are typically 60km/h except during pick-up and drop-off,when they fall to 40km/h.
The paper referencedthis study, which showed lowering speed limits to 32km/h in urban areas reduced the number of child deaths and injuries.
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Stranger danger was not really a factor in the decision to drive to school,with just two comments from children and one from a parent.
So,what else could get families out of cars?
Maybe making streets around schools vehicle-free.
A handful of schools in Australia have joined the Open Streets program,which bans cars on streets near schools on select days during drop-off and pick-up,instead opening them up to walking,riding,scooting or skating.
In one such trial,at Moreland Primary School in Victoria,Bicycle Network reported that 50 per cent of survey respondents cycled more and 40 per cent walked more.
This mirrored theSchool Streets program in London,launched at hundreds of schools across the British capital since 2017 to reduce congestion,pollution and road danger. Paris has its own movement.
Anyone who commutes can verify that Brisbane’s roads get a lot quieter during school holidays.
Getting kids out of cars for their trip to school will reduce congestion – and maybe waistlines too.
Queensland Walks Month,held in August,could be the perfect time to start a new habit.
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