Reading School Streets Programme

Reading now has 6 school street in operation across the borough covering 10 schools. These include 8 primary schools and 2 secondary schools.

School Streets give children the chance to walk, cycle or scoot to school in the street of the school without danger from traffic. This allows children to get to know other children on their way to school. It also helps them keep active.

An organised School Street closes the road outside the school from traffic for up to 45 minutes, twice a day, during school term time only. Vehicles already parked in the road can stay or leave throughout the duration of the School Street. Only eligible vehicles can gain access to the road during the School Street closure.

There are many benefits when children use School Streets. Some benefits come from the children being more active while others come from less traffic around schools.

Healthier children

• Walking, cycling or scooting to school helps the children meet the recommendation to have at least an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. This will improve their physical health.
• Active school travel can benefit mental health. It can reduce stress, depression and anxiety, and increase happiness.
• Reduces childhood obesity

Less traffic and pollution

• Reducing the number of cars delivering children to school reduces air pollution around the school. This improves air quality and reduces associated risks of lung and cardiovascular diseases.

Healthier and Safer Communities

• Reducing traffic volumes creates safer school zones. The quality of life for the community as a whole improves when there are safe walking and cycling routes to school.

Better Academic Performance

• The increased physical activity used on the school journey increases alertness and attention during the school day.
• Physical activity supports healthy brain development. This can lead to improved learning and academic outcomes.