Cars have brought wonderful freedoms to our society. But they’ve also taken away a lot of freedoms from our kids. And we notice it at the school entrances, especially outside the Mill Rythe schools, which are in Hampshire’s Top 10 most car congested. There have already been near-accidents there 😳. Children are already frightened, and that means they’re losing the freedoms most of us grew up with and took for granted.
So this is a special plea to all Hayling drivers to drive especially carefully around kids, whether they’re walking or wheeling. And even better, avoid driving to school if you can. The LIDL car park gives permission for the school run, and it’s a short walk to Mill Rythe. Even better, walk or wheel your kids to school! Help us organise the Hayling Bike Bus, at cyclehayling.org/bikebus.
What do our kids really think? Sustrans asked YouGov to dig into children’s behaviours, barriers and attitudes around walking and wheeling. And the results are in their very first Children’s Walking and Cycling Index. Sustrans is the Sustainable Transport charity who built the National Cycle Network, which includes our very own Hayling Billy Trail.
Children’s views on travel are too often overlooked by decision-makers. Where they are considered, the focus tends to be on the school journey. While important, this leaves out the vital role that travel plays in children’s day-to-day lives, developing their independence, socialisation skills and overall mental health and wellbeing.
With the rise in child obesity and mental health issues showing no signs of stopping, it’s more vital than ever that we make walking, wheeling and cycling the default for more journeys.
Since 2002, there has been a steady gradual reduction in children travelling independently, and especially to school. More and more journeys are escorted by parents and guardians, limiting children’s freedom and personal development, and increasing family workloads.
But that’s the opposite of what children say they want. 86% of all children interviewed walked, wheeled or used a scooter once, and almost two-thirds (62%) did it five or more days. Over two-thirds of kids think their area is good, AND SAFE, for cycling. But three quarters would like cars to slow down, and fewer cars on their streets.
You can see the report at Children’s Walking and Cycling Index. Sustrans hopes this new report will give a voice to children, and help give them back the healthy independence we all need for a better future. And that’s what Cycle Hayling wants, and I hope you do too.