FAQ
Click on the questions below to be taken to the answers.
Where can I find out about School Crossing
Patrols?
How do I find out more about Walking Buses?
Can my child cycle to school?
What is Park and Stride?
What is a Walking Bus?
How do I know if my child's school is developing a
School Travel Plan?
Do schools still take part in cycling
proficiency?
Who can I contact to get a School Travel Plan started
at my child's school?
Does my child need to wear a cycle helmet?
I have to come to school in the car because I go
straight to work, what involvement can I have?
I am worried about my child using public transport,
can you reassure me?
Where can I find out about School Crossing Patrols?
By clicking on the name of your authority below, you will be taken directly to the relevant webpages.
Knowsley
Liverpool
Sefton
St Helens
Wirral
How do I find out more about Walking Buses?
Many Walking Buses operate at schools across Merseyside - or you can contact your School Travel Advisor to find out more.
Can my child cycle to school?
Some schools are more supportive of cycling than others, ask the head teacher whether cycling is allowed, check to see what the arrangements are for storing bikes at school - is there secure cycle parking? And find out whether the school is taking part in any cycle training.
If you decide to allow your child to cycle there are several things you will need to consider:
· Is your child's bike roadworthy?
· Do you want your child to wear a helmet?
· Is there a safe route for your child to use?
· Does your child have sufficient cycle skills?
Why not do some practice runs with your child? Cycle to school together or let your child cycle with other pupils in an organised "cycle train" (similar to a walking bus)
What is Park and Stride?
Park and Stride or Park-Away is great for parents who live quite a distance from school, but want to do their bit to tackle the problems caused by the school-run. The school can either identify a suitable car park a short distance from the school, or parents can simply park in the roads away from school and walk the remaining distance. Some walking buses may operate from park-away sites.
What is a Walking Bus?
A Walking Bus is a safe, fun and healthy way to get to and from school. Each walking bus has a minimum of two adult escorts a "driver" at the front and a "conductor" bringing up the rear. Children walk to school in a group following a set route, picking up "passengers" at set "bus stops" along the way.
Passengers and escorts wear reflective clothing and the bus operates whatever the weather. Children can chat with their friends along the way, gaining road safety skills and independence.
All walking buses are different, as they have to suit the needs of the children and parents. Some schools have a number of walking buses operating on different routes, other walking buses may only operate on certain days or only in the morning or afternoon.
To find out whether there is a walking bus operating at you child's school, or how to set up a walking bus contact your Headteacher who will then contact your school travel advisor.
How do I know if my child's school is developing a School Travel Plan?
When a school takes part in a School Travel Plan it is likely that you will be given a questionnaire (primary school parents/guardians), asking your opinion about school travel issues. The travel plan will also be mentioned in newsletters, assemblies, curriculum work, and promoted through initiatives such as walking days, park-away days and walk to school weeks.
Do schools still take part in cycling proficiency?
Traditional cycling proficiency tests have been replaced by the new National Standards for cycling, training to these standards is taking place at many schools across Merseyside. Please contact your district to find out more:
Knowsley - 0151 443 2239
Wirral - 0151 606 2173
Sefton - 0151 934 4231
Liverpool email transport.policy@liverpool.gov.uk
St Helens - 01744 671655
Some of the cycle training in Merseyside is being provided by Cycling Solutions www.cyclingsolutions.co.uk This is a local not-for-profit organisation which can offer cycle training and cycle maintenance classes for all ages.
Who can I contact to get a School Travel Plan started at my child's school?
Speak to the head teacher to ensure the school are willing to take part, then contact the School Travel Advisor for your area, or the TravelWise team.
Does my child need to wear a cycle helmet?
It is not the law in the UK that you have to wear a helmet when cycling, some schools may insist on your child wearing a helmet if they want to cycle to school. In some districts your child will be required to wear a helmet if they are taking part in cycle training. Check out the latest national debate at www.cyclehelmets.org
If you want your child to wear a helmet consider the following:
Choosing the right sized cycle helmet
Measure around the child's head about 1" (2.5cm) above the eyebrows.
Match the head size to the size of helmet as shown on the inside of the helmet, on a label or on the box.
Place the helmet squarely on the child's head and fasten the straps. Keep the helmet level about 12 (2.5cm) above the eyebrows.
If loose, use pads and /or straps to achieve a closer fit. Straps should be adjusted so there is no slackness.
The front strap should be as vertical as possible.
The rear strap should join the front strap just under the ears.
The fastened buckle should rest just under the chin, not on the jaw line.
The helmet should fit snugly but not be tight.
Wearing a cycle helmet:
It should fit snugly all around the head.
It should rest a little above the eyebrows.
It should be level, not tilted backwards.
The forehead should not be exposed.
The straps should form a "V" shape just under the earlobe
Safety advice note: Putting stickers on safety helmets can sometimes cause a chemicvla reaction and cause the helmet to split.
I have to come to school in the car because I go straight to work, what involvement can I have?
We understand that many parents have work and other commitments which mean that walking or cycling to school is just not an option. However we would ask you to be considerate to the school's efforts to reduce private car use. Here's what you can do;
- DON'T park on the School Keep Clear Warning Signs (yellow zig zags) - doing this is dangerous and selfish.
- Try to park away from the school gates so that you are not adding to or causing the congestion outside school. Just a short five minute walk can make all the difference and you probably wont lose any more time than if you try to drive right up to the gates.
- See if you can ditch the car once a week and make an extra effort to walk.
- Arrange for your child to walk with other children as part of a walking bus, or an informal arrangement with friends.
I am worried about my child using public transport, can you reassure me?
Public Transport is a great way of getting around and most journeys pass without incident, however the occasional story or bad experience can put people off.
If your child is moving on to senior school and will be catching the bus or train you should do some practice runs with them, make sure they know which buses to catch, where to get off the bus and where to catch it from when they come home.
Find out whether your child is eligible for a bus pass or whether you need to purchase a pass. You can find out which bus or train routes may be suitable for you and your child on the journey planner.
It is likely your child will be travelling with other pupils from their school and that the only problems they will encounter is crowded buses and some rowdiness which occurs whenever children are in confined spaces.
Many secondary schools are involved in educational programmes
with Merseytravel www.merseytravel.gov.uk or the Police
to combat anti-social behaviour on Public Transport
For more information -www.merseytravelaccessteam.co.uk/education.htm