Open to parents, carers, teachers and local residents, the School Safety Survey is a Labor Party initiative, with the data collected used to help encourage local and state governments to take action on safety for students who walk or ride to school.
Shadow Minister for Active Transport and State MP for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen, said only 30 per cent of the million or so school students travelling to and from school today, would get there by walking or riding, compared with 75 per cent 40 years ago.
“We all know about the school holiday effect on our roads. If we can just reduce car trips by five per cent, traffic speeds would increase by 50 per cent,” she said.
“Parents know the health benefits of their kids walking or riding to school and they know it helps beat congestion on our roads, too, but many believe it’s just not safe for them to do so.
“Walking or riding to school is never going to possible for everyone but if we can fix connections, make it easier and safer, there are big wins for our kids’ health, our community and our environment.”
State MP for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, said parents from her local schools, including Canterbury South Public, Campsie Public and Harcourt Public, continually shared with their concerns with her about the safety of their children travelling to and from school.
“Their concerns are genuine and serious and action is required,” she said.
“That’s why I’m very pleased my colleague Jo Haylen has initiated this survey and urge parents to provide their feedback.”
Complete the survey before March 13 at nswschoolsafety.com.
