Next Steps

Through early engagement people told us that the streets close to the schools see a lot of additional traffic at peak times, which brings pollution, noise and road safety risks to people's doorsteps.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with Transport for Greater Manchester to implement a School Street outside Sacred Heart and Leigh Central Primary Schools on Windermere Road. Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey launched the initiative in May 2022.

• The road is closed to traffic on Windermere Road between Glebe and Gordon Street enabling pupils to make their way to and from school in a pleasant, safe environment that prioritises active travel over driving on the school run.
• The zone is implemented outside the primary schools five days a week during term time at school pick-up and drop-off times.

A Bikeability wrap-around schools programme was offered to all 4 primary schools in the area. Children are given the opportunity to learn to ride a bike, learn about road safety and how to look after their bike. For those without a working bike, they can get them fixed during Dr Bike events or borrow one from the Leigh Neighbours Bike Library.

An after-school cycle club was also set up at Sacred Heart Primary School. This 4-week programme, run by qualified cycle instructors taught children of varying ages basic cycle skills.

Access to bikes, knowing how to ride, stay safe and look after a bike are some of the many reasons why people don't cycle. Giving children the skills and equipment to ride a bike also helps them gain their independence, freedom and confidence. And it does wonders for their physical and mental health too!