Safe, sustainable travel schemes for local schools

North Berwick Safer Active Travel

When East Lothian Council (ELC) asked our team to help secure funding from the Sustrans “Places for Everyone” programme, we were there to help. Our goal? To deliver active travel improvements to promote and support safe, sustainable travel to North Berwick High School, Law Primary School, and the North Berwick Sports Centre.

In 2019, we undertook a holistic active travel study to identify barriers to sustainable trips to the schools. The study showed that few people in North Berwick chose methods of active travel for journeys to school and this was likely down to the available infrastructure. There were opportunities for behaviour change amongst pupils and parents, but feedback revealed that safety concerns were the main barrier to them walking, cycling, or wheeling to school.

Our team prepared a strategy based on a mix of infrastructure and behaviour change that ensured the needs of all users were met. An understanding of the four stages of the Sustrans Design Process was critical to progressing the scheme. Our Active Travel team in Scotland obtained approval from Sustrans at the end of each stage to secure funding for construction. Looking forward, our team will continue to work closely with the community to determine what impact the scheme has in encouraging active travel, particularly amongst students.