Radnor Primary in Canton, Cardiff, has been awarded the Sustrans Cymru Gold Active Travel School Award, only the second school in Wales to have done so.
The impressive award is presented to schools in Wales that excel when it comes to active travel – walking, wheeling, and cycling and that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting active and sustainable travel over several years.
Dedicated parents and children at Radnor Primary have been regularly walking, wheeling, scooting, or cycling the school run, helping to reduce pollution on their school’s street and in the wider community.
With support from Sustrans Cymru and Cardiff Council’s Active Schools Travel Team, Radnor Primary School is now fully committed and mobilised to work independently to increase active travel across the school community, and as a result of the efforts of the parents, children, and teachers, the school has successfully achieved the Gold Active Travel School Award.
This commitment has led to significant and lasting organisational, cultural, and behavioural changes in how people connected with the school travel.
Speaking about the importance of active travel, Cabinet Member forCabinet Member Transport and Strategic Planning, Cllr Dan De’Ath said:”Ourambitious plans to transform active travel across the city is being well supported by the work being carried out in our schools and they are playing an important role in how Cardiff reduces congestion, improves air quality and combats the ongoing problems of climate change.
“Our dedicated Active Schools Travel Team provide schools with a range of support to best promote active travel, from delivering bike fleets and cycle storage to improving pavements and implementing School Streets which helps relieve daily congestion caused by driving to school.
“Walking, scooting or cycling to school can help improve road safety, increase children’s road awareness and improving mental health and wellbeing. I am delighted that Radnor Primary School has achieved this prestigious award, recognising the positive changes adopted by the school and its community.”
Sustrans Cymru have been supporting Radnor over the years through the Active Journeys Programme, funded by Welsh Government. The programme works with schools across Wales to create a culture that makes it easier for children to walk, wheel, scoot, or cycle.
Sustrans Cymru Director, Christine Boston, congratulated the school: “On behalf of Sustrans Cymru, I would like to congratulate Radnor Primary School on this impressive achievement, they have shown a fantastic commitment to active travel.
“It’s great to see a school completely committing to the idea of changing behaviours across their community, and well done to the children, parents and teachers that have played a part.
“We know the advantages of active travel – it helps us to live happier and healthier lives and makes the journey to school fun for everyone.”
Speaking about the school’s achievement, Kane Morgan, Radnor Primary School’s Active Travel Champion, said: “It is amazing for the endeavours of all pupils, parents, and teachers to be recognised with such a prestigious award.
“We take pride in doing our bit to transform our Canton neighbourhood into a safe and fun place for all active travellers and we hope our achievements inspire other schools to do the same. Our pupils and our sustainable modes of travel are the future of this city, and we are excited to motivate children, parents, and teachers to travel actively to school and work.
“We couldn’t have achieved all we have without the help of Sustrans Cymru and the whole community’s efforts in coming together for the greater good. We want our children to leave Radnor and continue the active travel habits instilled in them, giving them the tools to make the right transport choices throughout their lives.”
The Active Travel School Award, funded by Welsh Government, offers a bespoke online solution for schools in Wales.
Schools can track progress and access a wealth of supporting resources to achieve three levels and become examples of best practice.
Further benefits of active travel to school include improved physical health and well-being amongst the pupils, for happier and healthier children.
