Earlier this year, we were honoured to receive a £5,000 Active Travel grant from Norfolk County Council, selected among local schools for our commitment to safe and sustainable travel. This funding enables us to actively assess, monitor and strengthen our travel initiatives, benefitting our students, staff, parents and the wider community.

The Active Travel initiative by Norfolk County Council aims to promote healthier, safer and more sustainable travel options across the region. By encouraging walking, cycling and other active forms of transport, the initiative seeks to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and support the health and well-being of residents. For schools, this means creating safer travel environments for students and fostering lifelong habits of sustainable mobility. The programme’s emphasis on active travel not only helps to protect our environment but also empowers young people to make informed choices about their health and their impact on the planet.

Our Progress So Far:

• Cycling for Safety: Mrs Tea recently cycled the Rebellion Way to raise funds and awareness for road safety in local schools.
• Surveying Travel Habits: We’ve gathered data on current travel patterns, identifying ways to make travel to and from school healthier and more environmentally friendly.
• Road Safety Talks: Norfolk Police presented the “Fatal 4” talk to Year 11–13 students, focusing on safe driving and passenger behaviour.

Our Upcoming Initiatives:

• Poster Competition: Students can participate in a poster design contest to promote Active Travel and Road Safety, with the chance to win a bike! Find entry details below.
• Air Quality Monitoring: We’ll be installing a monitor on Albemarle Road to measure air quality, helping us assess environmental impact.
• Community Speed Watch: We’re applying to establish a speed watch group to ensure safer community roads.
• Road Safety Kits: We’ll provide wet-weather road safety kits and ensure all cycling students are equipped with high-visibility gear.
• In the summer term, we are also planning to offer a Cycling Proficiency Course to equip students with essential cycling skills.

How You Can Help:

• Volunteer for Speed Watch: Just an hour every two months can help make a difference.
• Consider Active Travel: Walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving.
• Lift Share: Reduce cars on the road by carpooling.
• Drive Safely: Monitor your speed, avoid distractions, and be mindful in drop-off zones.
• Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Mrs Tea via activetravel@nor.gdst.net.

We’re inviting entries from Norwich High students and local schools to design an A4 poster promoting aspects of Active Travel and Road Safety. Topics may include visibility, speed, road crossing, eco-friendly travel, seat belt safety, and more. The overall winners will receive a new bike, with runners up receiving ‘Be Seen’ safety kits. The competition is open now until 6th January 2025. All entries can be emailed to activetravel@nor.gdst.net. Click here to find out more.

Any local schools interested in taking part should email Mrs Tea via activetravel@nor.gdst.net