Almost 5,000 children going safer on city roads

THOUSANDS of primary school pupils have been putting their best foot forward to learn how to go safe on city streets.

As pedestrians or cyclists, 5,000 pupils in more than 50 primary and secondary schools have been picking up top tips and become competent and confident in road or cycle safety thanks to the council’s road safety service.

Cllr Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation, said: “Staying safe on the road whether you’re a pedestrian or a cyclist is often learned when you are young.

“Thousands of young people living in Swansea will be more aware of the hazards and better able to manage on our roads and pavements this summer holiday thanks to the work of our road safety team.

“The school summer break is always a busy time for parents and children alike with many families getting out and about on their bikes. Our road safety team has helped almost 1,000 youngsters achieve National Standards Level 1 and 2 in cycling which will stand them in good stead when it comes to safe riding.

“On top of that 1,400 five to seven-year-olds have learned how to take care on the road with Kerbcraft training over the last school year while another 2,500 secondary school pupils have taken part in lessons about the risks of drink and drug driving and other road safety issues.”

Cllr Thomas added: “Road safety is important work because one of the top causes of death or injury among young people is accidents on or near roads. As parents we all play our part in this and the council is doing its bit too.”

Funding for road safety initiatives in Swansea comes from a Welsh Government grant and its most recent figures show that the trend of road accidents involving young people in Swansea is declining.

Recent information for the National Statistics July 2015 bulletin shows that the total number of child pedal cyclists fell by 56% between 2002 and 2014 across Wales. Over the same period child KSI casualties fell from 23 to 14.

The latest Playing It Safe: Road Safety App is available to download free through iTunes and Google Play. It’s a fun way of learning about staying safe on the roads. Users can choose their character and then look after them as they explore the world.