MAPS Initiative Hits Schools

On the morning of Friday 12 January there was a great deal of activity on the schools’ campus as Wendover CE Junior School and The John Hampden School launched their new Active Travel initiative, ‘MAPS’, in liaison with Bucks County Council. Every family has been issued with a fold-up map of the local area which highlights ten and fifteen minute walk zones, plus an Active Travel Zone – the campus, Wharf Road and Manor Road area – where they hope to see only Active Travel, ie walking, cycling or scooting . The map also highlights recommended places to park outside the Active Travel Zone, encouraging families to Park and Stride away from the campus! The map also provides information about both schools’ Travel Plans.

Active Travel mascots ALLF (Always Look Listen First) from BCC and Strider from Living Streets, the national charity for everyday walking, were touring the campus, meeting and greeting pupils on their way into school. Wendover Junior’s Junior Road Safety Officers were busy giving out stickers and every child had decorated a Strider template which they wore or displayed on their journey. The schools were delighted to have a visit from Councillors Steve Bowles and Richard Newcombe who came along and joined in the fun.

Both schools have also recently launched WOW, the year-round walk to school challenge. Children use the Living Streets ‘Travel Tracker’ every day in class to record their mode of travel to school and if they travel actively three times a week they receive a themed badge at the end of every month. The children love the scheme and it has given a huge boost to the schools’ active travel initiatives. Both schools work with Modeshift Stars, the national online awards scheme to promote active travel. The John Hampden School has achieved the Silver Award, while Wendover Junior have reached the Gold Award as well as winning School of the Region 2016.