Children should cycle (From Penarth Times)

Children should cycle

MORE children could soon be cycling to school - in safety - if a new scheme is implemented in Penarth.

Evenlode Primary School has been earmarked by the National Assembly as eligible for 'Safe Routes for Schools' funding.

The project aims to reduce traffic by encouraging journeys by cycle.

It could see nearby streets altered to improve road safety as early as next spring with: l Speed cushions in Westbourne Road.

l A speed table at Westbourne Road's junction with Clinton Road.

l A vehicle prohibition order on the lane linking Westbourne Road with Archer Terrace. These measures would satisfy safety needs for converting footways to cycling and/or foot paths in parts of Westbourne Road, Clinton Road and Robinswood Crescent.

Nearly 30 percent of the school's 460 pupils live in Lavernock Park estate, meaning many have to travel to school by car.

But headteacher Alun Jenkins says this may change: "If there are cycle routes available, it might encourage families to cycle to school."

He added: "We are quite happy with the proposals. I think anything that relieves the pressure of traffic in and around the entrance at 9am and 3.30pm is to be welcomed. Traffic has been a problem since we opened in 1969."

Penarth Town Council considered the scheme at a meeting of the Policy and Finance Committee on October 25. The councillors advised the Vale Council they approved of the proposals, but recommended that effects of road changes be monitored.