School's 'bike bus' becomes permanent after trial

A "bike bus" that allows children to cycle to school safely will become permanent thanks to a successful traffic reduction trial.

The School Streets scheme has been adopted in Harrogate following 18 months of restrictions on drop-off and pick-up times on Beechwood Grove, near Oatlands Junior School.

North Yorkshire Council said it would become permanent after positive feedback was received.

Councillor Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transport, said: "The first in North Yorkshire, the scheme represents a huge milestone for increasing road safety and promoting sustainable travel from a young age."

Parents had been able to set up the bike bus, which allows children and adults to cycle together from The Stray to Oatlands Infant and Junior schools.

Duncan joined the group for the monthly meet-up and added: "The success of School Streets here serves as an example for the rest of North Yorkshire and we are now looking to introduce similar schemes elsewhere in the county."

As part of the scheme, Marks and Spencer and Hornbeam Park Station have agreed to become "park and stride" points from where families can park and walk to school.

A School Streets pilot is also under way at Seamer and Irton Community Primary School, near Scarborough, the authority said.

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