News
20 Aug 07Walking And Cycling Back To School
Borough of Poole is helping parents prepare for the new school term by offering advice to encourage children to walk and cycle to school in safety.
Officers from Borough of Poole's Transportation Services will be at the Dolphin Shopping Centre 
on August 22 and 23 to provide information on walking, cycling and road safety.
They will offering free maps promoting walking and cycling routes in Poole and inviting people to consider their travel habits once the new school terms starts in September.
A census conducted in January of Poole schools with a travel plan revealed that 38 per cent of children and young people surveyed walked to school, compared to 36 per cent who travelled by car and six per cent who cycled.
Nick Ellis, Travel Advisor, Transportation Services, said: "We already have quite a high percentage rate of children walking to school, which is excellent. However, we would like to encourage those who currently travel by car to think about walking and cycle options and the great health benefits of these. We realise this is not always feasible for everyone, everyday but for those who live a substantial distance from school, we would encourage them try and walk or cycle at least some of the way as much as possible."
The council promotes walking and cycling in Poole in support of one of the council's corporate objectives to promote health and well-being by encouraging residents to keep fit and active.
Poole has more than 40 miles of cycle routes, of which 25 miles are either leisure routes in green areas or separate from traffic.
The Borough of Poole display stands will be in the Dolphin Shopping Centre, by the lift at the bus station end, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
There will also be a road safety competition for young children, with prizes for the most successful entrants.
For more information on walking and cycling in Poole, contact Sally Funnell on 01202 262066, or for advice on journeys to and from school, contact Nick Ellis on 01202 262017.
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