Active Devon introduces child pedestrian programme

In a bid to enhance road safety awareness among children and encourage active travel, Active Devon has unveiled plans to roll out a comprehensive Child Pedestrian Training (CPT) programme across Devon. 

The initiative, named 'Walkability', aims to equip primary school children with essential road safety knowledge and practical skills over the course of two years.

Designed in collaboration with educators throughout Devon, the programme targets a critical juncture in children's development: the transition to independent travel. 

With pedestrian safety at the forefront, 'Walkability' will be made available to all primary schools within the Devon County Council area.

The core objective of the CPT course is to instil in children the necessary awareness and capabilities to navigate their surroundings safely. 

By blending classroom instruction with real-world experiences, the programme seeks to empower children to confidently and securely traverse their neighbourhoods.

Covering a spectrum of vital road safety topics, the 'Walkability' curriculum encompasses both theoretical and practical sessions. 

Children will delve into understanding road signs, mastering the Green Cross Code, navigating road crossings, identifying safe routes, and maintaining vigilance at all times.

Louise Marshall, a representative from Active Devon, said: “Walk to School Week is the perfect time to announce our two year ‘Walkability’ programme. Walking to school is an important part of the Government’s active travel agenda and will help more children to become more active, resulting in health and environmental benefits for them, their families and the community.

“Many of us remember learning about the Green Cross Code when we were at school and this programme will deliver practical advice, through different scenarios and training, to enable children to feel confident when in and around traffic, and where possible, on that walk to and from the school gates.”

Upon school registration, parents will receive detailed information about the 'Walkability' training, including dates and curriculum specifics.

Following the completion of the two-hour sessions, initially targeting years 5 and 6, each child will receive a booklet summarising the key learnings, facilitating ongoing reinforcement at home.

While selected training days will commence during the summer, the full programme rollout is scheduled for September. 

Schools interested in participating are encouraged to complete a registration form available on the Active Devon website.

Louise adds: “We hope that this is just the tip of the iceberg and we are able to widen the age group as we progress through the programme, enabling even more children to safe and confident around Devon’s roads.”