MODESHIFT STARS

Please see key information about how we have linked with Modeshift STARS to help our school create a greener future.

Through our partnership with Modeshift STARS, we are promoting sustainable travel choices within our school community. This initiative supports walking, scooting and cycling to school, helping to reduce our carbon footprint while encouraging healthy, active lifestyles for our pupils.

Our school promotes walking and cycling because…

• It helps keep our students fitter and healthy and research shows being active can help students concentrate better and increase their levels of achievement.
• By walking or cycling our school community can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and easier for local residents. It also reduces the pollution caused from exhaust fumes helping combat climate change and create cleaner air.

Did you know...

One in four cars on the road are on the school run and greenhouse gas emissions from road transport made up around a fifth of the UK’s total GHG emissions.

WHY ACTIVE TRAVEL IS IMPORTANT

1. Cleaner air – reducing cars helps reduce air pollution around the school gates.
2. Helps tackle climate change – by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars.
3. Students are healthier and fitter – young people should have at least an hour of physical activity every day – walking or cycling to school contributes to this time.
4. Helps students unwind at the end of the day – walking or cycling home gives them time to think.
5. Improves concentration – studies have shown that students who are active are ready to learn and do better in their studies.
6. It gives (older) students more independence – walking or cycling without parents helps develop skills for independent living when they are adults.
7. Reduces congestion – as there are fewer cars on the road, making it a more pleasant environment for everyone.
8. Quicker than sitting in traffic
9. Improves road safety at the school gates – because there is reduced traffic and parked cars.
10. It’s cheaper to walk or cycle – as it saves on fuel.

We have an Active Travel Map (linked to this page) which details 5 and 10 minute walking and cycling zones around the school. Use the map to help plan your journey.

Suggested further information and website links

• TravelWest – Journey planning and advice on travelling around the South West. https://travelwest.info/
• Living Streets – Parent toolkits, activity resources and advice on walking more every day. https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walktoschool
• Bikeability is today’s cycle training programme replacing cycling proficiency. Bikeability
  gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling. https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/bikeability/
• FREE 1:1 Adult Cycle training for all staff and parents - to book an individual lesson call
• The Better By Bike website has loads of great cycling resources, covering where to buy a bike (new or second hand, from local bike shops), as well as a bike journey planner, and much more. https://betterbybike.info/

Downloadable Maps

These downloadable maps detail on-road and traffic-free cycleways across South
Gloucestershire. They’re good for getting a general sense of the cycle options in your
neighbourhood without planning a specific route. (https://betterbybike.info/maps-and-
guides/regional-cycle-maps/#south-gloucestershire)
Leisure Rides in South Gloucestershire. (https://betterbybike.info/maps-and-guides/guides-
booklets/)