Leeds students from four secondary schools are leading the charge for active travel with innovative ideas to improve road safety and reduce congestion. Supported by Leeds City Council and Modeshift, these young ambassadors are championing sustainable transportation in their school communities, marking a significant step towards a greener future.
How are Leeds students promoting active travel in schools?
Leeds students from four secondary schools are championing active travel by proposing innovative solutions to transport challenges. They aim to reduce congestion and improve road safety around schools through tailored ideas like cycling schemes and walking incentives. This initiative, part of the Active Travel Ambassador Campaign, encourages sustainable transportation with support from Leeds City Council and Modeshift.
Pupils Pitch for Active Travel Evolution
Leeds is witnessing an inspiring move towards sustainable travel as local pupils take the lead. Four secondary schools within the city have recently participated in an event akin to a Dragons’ Den format, where students present innovative solutions to common transport challenges. This initiative is part of the Active Travel Ambassador Campaign Junction event, hosted at the Brownlee Centre.
The young minds from Temple Moor High School, Boston Spa Academy, Prince Henry’s Grammar School, and The Ruth Gorse Academy took this opportunity to propose ideas that would resolve issues pertinent to their school communities. The issues tackled ranged from reducing congestion around school premises to enhancing road safety measures. Each proposition was tailored to the specific needs of their respective institutions, demonstrating a profound understanding of their local environments.
This collaborative effort has been facilitated by Leeds City Council along with Modeshift, an organisation that advocates for active travel. The partnership symbolizes a collective stride towards a brighter, greener future. The aim is to embed the culture of active travel within the educational framework, empowering students to take ownership of their travel choices.
Alistair Brownlee’s Virtual Kickoff
Alistair Brownlee, renowned for his achievements in triathlon and a figurehead for active travel in Leeds, opened the event virtually. Speaking on the essence of active travel ambassadors, Brownlee shared insights from his role, emphasizing the value of student involvement. Established in 2019, the position of Active Travel Ambassador has been pivotal in promoting a shift towards sustainable modes of transportation.
The proposals put forward by the students were as diverse as they were practical. From innovative cycling schemes to incentivizing walking, the pitches were a testament to the students’ commitment to fostering a change in travel behavior. Each idea brought to light the potential for significant environmental impact while also considering the health and safety of the community.
The panel, comprising industry experts, provided the young advocates with constructive feedback, which will be instrumental in refining and implementing their campaigns. The enthusiasm and creative prowess displayed by the students were commended by the panel, illustrating the success of this youth-driven approach to active travel advocacy.
Modeshift and Leeds’ Marching Towards Sustainable Momentum
Modeshift is a national entity, working hand-in-hand with schools, businesses, and residential developments to nurture a culture of safe and sustainable travel. The success of their partnership with Leeds City Council is evident in the second year of the Active Travel Ambassadors programme. The initiative garners overwhelming support from participants and educators, signaling a shift in societal travel patterns.
A significant outcome of this partnership is the reduction in car usage among students, who are now more inclined to walk, scoot, or cycle. Such behavioral change is critical, as it contributes to the reduction of traffic congestion and environmental pollution while promoting physical activity among the youth.
Following the pitch event, each participating school emerged victorious. The awarded funds, which amount to £250 with matched contributions from the council, will be allocated to bring their active travel campaigns to fruition. Notably, Prince Henry’s Grammar School has continued to excel in this domain, clinching the title of Local Authority Secondary School of the Year at the Modeshift STARS Regional Awards.
Civic Leaders and Ambassadors Commend Youth Initiative
Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, Councillor Helen Hayden, expressed admiration for the students’ initiatives. Hayden highlighted the importance of such programs in making Leeds a city less dependent on car ownership. She also shed light on the Child Friendly Leeds Wish for March, which underscores the need for safe and convenient travel for children and young people.
Hayden commended the ideas presented by the pupils, aligning them with the council’s Vision Zero strategy. This ambitious plan aims to eradicate fatal and serious road injuries in the city by 2040, with active travel initiatives serving as a cornerstone to achieve this goal.
Echoing Councillor Hayden’s sentiments, Alistair Brownlee shared his personal experiences with active travel. Brownlee reminisced about his cycling days from Horsforth to Bradford during his school years. He reiterated the significance of such schemes in ensuring the safe and sustainable commute of young people. Brownlee’s encouragement serves as an endorsement for future schemes, confirming the city’s commitment to cultivating a healthy and dynamic environment for the residents of Leeds.
In conclusion, the Active Travel Ambassador Campaign Junction event has set a precedent for other schools and communities to follow. With the backing of Leeds City Council and the guidance of Modeshift, students are becoming a driving force in the transition to active travel. The recent success stories from the city’s schools underscore the potential and determination of Leeds’ younger generation to create lasting change.
- Leeds students from four secondary schools are championing active travel by proposing innovative solutions to transport challenges.
- The students aim to reduce congestion and improve road safety around schools through tailored ideas like cycling schemes and walking incentives.
- The initiative is part of the Active Travel Ambassador Campaign, supported by Leeds City Council and Modeshift.
- The proposals put forward by the students were diverse and practical, showcasing their commitment to fostering a change in travel behavior.
- Leeds City Council and Modeshift are working together to promote a culture of safe and sustainable travel, leading to a reduction in car usage among students and an overall shift in societal travel patterns.