Travel Policy
Policy
Creating a Sustainable Travel Policy for your school
Here’s how to get started:
1. Define Your Vision and Goals
Begin by outlining what your school wants to achieve. Are you aiming to reduce car trips by 20%? Increase the number of students walking or riding? Improve safety around the school gate? Clear goals will guide your actions and help measure success.
2. Involve the Whole School Community
Engage students, staff, parents, and carers in the process. Form a travel working group or sustainability committee to gather input and build support. Surveys and travel audits can help identify current travel behaviours and barriers to change.
3. Promote Active and Sustainable Options
Use your policy to highlight preferred travel modes, walking, cycling, scooting, carpooling, and public transport. Include strategies like:
- Hosting regular “Walk to School” days
- Providing secure bike and scooter parking
- Creating safe walking maps or “park and stride” zones
- Promoting public transport routes and timetables
4. Address Safety and Accessibility
Work with your local council to improve infrastructure, signage, and crossings. Consider students with additional needs and ensure your policy supports inclusive travel options.
5. Embed It in School Culture
Link your travel policy to curriculum areas like health, geography, and sustainability. Celebrate milestones, share success stories, and keep the conversation going through newsletters, assemblies, and student-led campaigns.
6. Review and Refresh
Set a timeline to review your policy annually. Use travel data and community feedback to update goals and keep momentum strong.
