National effort to provide safe route to school – NRK

Many parents dread to let children walk or cycle to school, some children experience pathway as unsafe and chaotic.

Several parents therefore choose to run the kids until school door, which can create stress , confusing and dangerous situations.

According to travel survey Institute of Transport Economics, 2014 experience 4 of 10 parents pathway as suspect when it comes to traffic conditions.

– We want more children to walk and cycle on safer school routes. To do that, the whole country set to a common project, says training manager Kristin Eli Stromme in Road Safety, in a press release.

Car-free zones

EXAMPLE : in Mandal, Farstad municipality in Vest-Agder, it has been created pedestrian zones around the school.

Photo: Erik Hartmann

The national effort that has many players behind him. Police, Public Roads Administration, Directorate of Health, National Parents’ Committee for Primary and Secondary Education, Environmental Agents, Cyclists Association and Road Safety are initiators.

The idea came from Vanse school in Farsund, Vest-Agder.

– While it before was chaos around the school, it is now safe and straightforward. We used the infrastructure that already existed and found places in the immediate area that can be used for safe entry and exit for kids. Car free zone creates security for all, says the principal at Vanse school, Halvor Cup.

UP-chief Runar Karlsen.

Photo: Kjartan Rørslett / NRK

the project “Heart zone” is about to get a highlighted area around the school, where it should be pedestrianized before, during and after school.

the police will be ready in these zones, when schools åper after the summer holidays.

– Children are unable to read a complicated traffic situation, and adults must take responsibility. In the time before, during and after school we have control of speed, intoxication and securing children in cars, says UP chief Runar Karlsen.

– Children need air and movement

Training Chief in road Safety is concerned that children be taught how traffic works, when they then get walking or biking to school.

– children need movement, fresh air and experience as cyclists and pedestrians to be safe drivers. The training they do not get in the backseat of a car, says Stromme.

Directorate of Health points out that less traffic will improve air quality around the school.

Deputy Jacob Linhave, the Directorate of Health.

Photo: Lotten Christiansen / NRK

– Physical activity is important for children’s health and development, and can provide better learning and well-being in the classroom. If more walking or cycling, and fewer running, there will be less traffic. It provides less noise pollution and improve air quality around the school, said Deputy James Linhave, the Directorate of Health.

To get “Heart Zone” around the school, you must contact the school administration or FAU.

PTA is concerned a good cooperation between home and school, as a prerequisite for a good school environment for students.

– “Heart Zone” is an excellent example of such cooperation, and this will help increased safety and security of students, says Senior Adviser Joachim Majambere by Parents for basic training.