St. John Vianney R.C. Primary School, off Edinburgh's Gilmerton Road, is making bold moves to improve the prospects of its pupils walking or cycling to school more safely.
The school has a wide catchment area covering parts where unemployment is high. A recent report conducted by researchers at Napier University concluded that people from poorer areas suffered a disproportionate number of road accidents compared with those from more affluent ones.
Head Teacher Ian Mooney has already got the City Development Department to agree to spend money from its Safer Routes budget on measures outside the school. This came as a result of the involvement of local councillor Angus MacKay.
Mr. Mooney considers that motorists "as a breed" are selfish (he drives himself) - particularly when it comes to parking. The police have been involved trying to persuade drivers to be more considerate and have even booked a few people. But the problem, which is common to many schools, remains. It is hoped that City Development's works will improve matters.
The school used to have Cycle (proficiency) Training and intends to reintroduce it next term. Due to lack of resources the police no longer offer Training as widely as they used to, and expect schools to provide volunteers (parents or teachers) who can be trained to deliver the Cycle Training. The police then test the children.
Mr. Mooney was one of the many Head Teachers who replied to the recent SPOKES survey. He actually, optimistically, estimated the demand for cycle parking as 50 spaces. The council's Cycling Officer (Matthew Simpson 469 3606) has agreed to initially provide 12.
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"Sheffield" racks will be placed in front
of the school in part of the staff car park. This area is out of bounds
to pupils at break times and so it is not expected that there will be any
problems with theft or damage.
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