New kea crossing for Wakefield School

Students, staff and parents of Wakefield School got to use the new Kea Crossing for the first time at the start of June. The crossing has been installed as a direct result of the Wakefield School Travel Plan that was launched in February 2009.

The Wakefield School Travel Plan is the first in the Tasman district and looks at broad issues around transport and road safety around the school area. It takes into account engineering solutions, road safety issues, congestion problems, education and enforcement issues. Sarah Downs, the School Travel Planner for TDC, commended the role that the various agencies played in helping establish the School Travel Plan. These included the Police, council engineers, representatives from OPUS, the school’s board of Trustees, parents, school principal Peter Ross and most importantly the students themselves.

Another safety feature that has also appeared in Wakefield is the kerb build out at the intersection of Arrow Street and Edward Street. The aim of this kerb build out is to give children a better view when crossing the road. Both these key features will hopefully enable the planned Walking School Buses to begin. A third of the children attending the school recently indicated that they were keen to join a Walking School Bus. A fantastic number of parents and local residents also offered their services to help run or ‘drive’ the buses. Sarah along with Sue Heslop, the school’s administrator were the driving forces in getting the Walking School Buses up and running.

At the end of Term 1 students from the senior syndicate completed level 1 of a cycling competency course, which was also a feature of the Travel Plan. They were recently awarded a certificate in their celebration assembly. Plans are afoot for them to begin level 2 by the end of Term 2. This will mean that those who gain level 2 will be able to cycle by themselves to school, once they reach their 10^th birthday. 
 

Further information: , feetfirst@nzta.govt.nz.