Sustrans- 12th June 2020

Good morning all

Hope you are all well, and not missing the sunshine too much. The drizzle certainly changes how we spend our time, but just in case your pupils are struggling for indoor activities to keep them occupied, we are here to help! J

I’ve attached a short one page pdf with an activity from Richard, our Schools Officer in the South West. There is also a short explanatory video from Richard which can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/mRDKkYRtRek

Richard is encouraging pupils to ‘Make a Difference’ by writing to their local elected representatives about things they would like to see to make their active journey to school safer and more enjoyable. Is the traffic speed around school too high? Are there problems with parked cars on footpaths? Is there a lack of safe footpaths and cycle paths? Does your school need a controlled crossing point? Richard has loads of helpful guidance on how to email your local representatives, and make sure they hear your concerns.

There have been encouraging moves from Department of Infrastructure in recent weeks, including an announcement this week that 20mph speed limits will be introduced around 100 schools across N.Ireland. We are following these announcements with great interest, and will continue to do what we can in Sustrans to influence DfI and other government departments to commit to ensuring that all school pupils have safe routes to allow them to walk, scoot and cycle to school. This is a great time for your pupils to get involved in influencing their local councillors and MLAs, and making sure that your school infrastructure needs are acknowledged and addressed. In the middle of all the decisions and changes that are happening at the moment, let’s make sure that children’s voices are heard.

As always, please feel free to use these resources as you wish, and to distribute freely through your own school communication channels.

Best wishes

Emma

Emma Keenan

Delivery Manager, Schools & Workplaces | Sustrans Northern Ireland

*Please note that I am currently working from home. Tel: 07788 365 053

Ground Floor | 20 Adelaide Street | Belfast | BT2 8GD

028 9043 4569 | 07788 365 053 | @SustransNI