Inner-north kids make Active School Travel a success
Posted on Thursday, 23 February, 2012
Council’s 2011 Active School Travel Program has made a real difference to the habits of Brisbane families and the city’s environmental future.
I've praised the efforts of students, parents and teachers following a drop of 30 per cent across Brisbane from the beginning of 2011.
Fewer kids being driven to school means safer roads, less congestion and fitter, healthier students.
Eagle Junction State School and Windsor State School have achieved particularly impressive results.
Students from Windsor State School recorded a 30 per cent increase in active travel take-up, while kids from Eagle Junction improved active travel by 22 per cent.
The program sets a high, yet achievable target of a 10% reduction in family car trips and on average the 2011 schools tripled this target which is a fantastic result.
More than 610 tonnes of carbon emissions were saved over the 2011 school year, and there were 2.25 million fewer vehicle kilometres travelled.
At the start of the year just 16 per cent of participating students walked to school. This number rose to an impressive 40 per cent by year’s end.
Active School Travel aims to reduce traffic congestion and change travel behaviour by increasing the number of families who walk, cycle, carpool or use public transport for at least part of their journey to and from school.
The 2012 program has now launched with 21 new schools participating around Brisbane.