Students from Oakfield Academy and Critchill School are not just buzzing with excitement; they are actively participating in making their streets safer. In collaboration with the Bee Friendly Trust, they have been preparing planters as part of the 18-month Safer School Streets trial set to begin on Monday, April 22.
The program involves engagement activities such as ‘walking buses’ with Mojo Moves, ‘Dr Bike’ cycle repair clinics, and BMX stunt shows. Jacob, a ten-year-old student at Oakfield Academy, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “It was fun getting the planters ready, and it’ll be great to see the bees and other insects enjoying what we made with the Bee Friendly Trust. I completed my Bikeability training to get ready for the trial, and I’m looking forward to riding my bike to school without so many cars.”
The innovative Safer School Streets trial includes road closures during peak school hours, a new 20mph zone, parking restrictions, and road markings to denote pedestrian access. The project is a collaboration between active travel charity Sustrans, Somerset Council, and Frome Town Council and aims to reduce traffic, improve safety for children, and promote alternative modes of transportation.
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Councillor Martin Dimery commended the initiative and expressed hope for reduced car dependence and pollution. The scheme will undergo continuous consultation and adjustments as necessary throughout the trial period.