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SchoolTube: Making Streets Safe for Cyclists

SchoolTube: The Easy Way to Make Streets Safe for Cyclists

School children are especially vulnerable to bicycle accidents, and it's important to take steps to make sure they're safe when riding their bikes to and from school. One way to do this is to create "School Streets," which are streets that are closed to car traffic during certain times of day, such as when children are walking or biking to school.

School Streets can be a great way to improve safety for cyclists of all ages, but they can also be a challenge to implement. One of the biggest challenges is getting the support of the community, especially from drivers who may be inconvenienced by the street closures. However, there are a number of ways to overcome these challenges and create successful School Streets programs.

How to Create a School Street

The first step to creating a School Street is to identify a street that is suitable for closure. The street should be located near a school, and it should have a relatively low volume of traffic. It's also important to make sure that there are alternative routes available for drivers who will be displaced by the street closure.

Once you've identified a suitable street, you need to get the support of the community. This can be done by talking to local residents, businesses, and elected officials. You can also hold public meetings to discuss the proposed School Street and get feedback from the community.

If you're able to get the support of the community, you can then start the process of implementing the School Street. This will involve working with the local government to get the necessary permits and approvals. You'll also need to install signs and barricades to close the street to traffic.

Benefits of School Streets

School Streets can provide a number of benefits for cyclists of all ages, including:

  • Increased safety: School Streets can reduce the risk of bicycle accidents by eliminating car traffic from the streets around schools.
  • Encouragement of physical activity: School Streets can encourage children to walk or bike to school, which can help them get the physical activity they need.
  • Improved air quality: School Streets can reduce air pollution by reducing the number of cars on the road.
  • Community building: School Streets can create a sense of community by providing a safe and welcoming space for people to walk, bike, and socialize.

Conclusion

School Streets are a great way to improve safety for cyclists of all ages. They can also encourage physical activity, improve air quality, and build community. If you're interested in creating a School Street in your community, there are a number of resources available to help you get started.

Here are some additional tips for creating a successful School Street:

  • Work with the local government: The local government will be responsible for approving the School Street and issuing the necessary permits. It's important to work closely with the government to make sure that the School Street is implemented smoothly.
  • Get the support of the community: The community's support is essential for the success of a School Street. Talk to local residents, businesses, and elected officials to get their feedback and support.
  • Be prepared for challenges: There will be challenges along the way, but it's important to be prepared for them. Some common challenges include opposition from drivers, concerns about safety, and funding issues.

With careful planning and community support, you can create a School Street that makes your community a safer and healthier place for cyclists of all ages.