Winter 2010 Green-Schools Travel Progress Report

Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 01 16 16 19 19 22 23 24 29 29 30 people per day making 1 Use their bike outside of school Have a helmet Wear a helmet Wear a high-visibility vest • • • • This represents over 11,800 the switch from the private carof transport to such as sustainable walking, cycling modes and park n stride. The number of children walkingby to 31% school between increased Oct 2008 and MayThe 2010. number of children cyclingby to 25% school between increased Oct 2008 and MayThe 2010. comparative surveyincrease in pupils results travelling to school revealed by mixedtransport and mode a indicates a high 45% uptake in parkinitiatives. ‘n stride Comparative results showeddesire to travel an to school increasecycling by sustainable being in modes the with the preferredOct mode 2008 at and 43% May 2010. between The number of staff whodecreased travel to by school by 11% car2010. between has Oct 2008Overall, and 80% of respondents May would prefer toschool travel using to sustainable transport modes. Following completion ofrollout two of years the of Green-Schoolshigher the percentage Travel of national pupils: programme, a

• • • • • • • 4. Action on the Ground 4.1 Cycling Update 4.2 National Walk to School Week 4.3 Cross-Border Initiative 4.4 Green-Schools Travel Competition 20104.5 Green-Schools Teacher Training Autumn 20094.6 Green-Schools Teacher Training Summer 20104.7 20 PILOT ‘Exploring Nature’ Summer 20 Camp 21 4.8 Publicity 4.9 Green-Schools Website 5. Case 22 Studies 6. The Next Steps 7. Conclusion Appendices

1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 9 11 Results May 2010

Contents Executive Summary 1. Introduction 2. Progress to Date 2.1 Green-Schools General 2.2 Green–Schools Travel 3. Results and Analysis of May 20103.1 Surveys Introduction and Methodology 3.2 2008-2010 Final Student Survey Results 3.3 2008-2010 Final Staff Survey Results 3.4 2009-2010 Follow-On Student Survey 3.5 2009-2010 Follow-On Staff Survey Results 14 The Green-Schools Travel impactconsiderable programme over the past school has year in terms hadof a reducing the number of pupilsby travelling private to car, school while alsopupils travelling increasing the to number schooltravel of by such as sustainable walking modes and park of n’ stride. 90% of schools involved in the programme fortwo at least years have been awardedaward the of Green a Flag. Green The implemented the Flag travel theme indicates successfully. that a schoolOver has the past school year independentfollow-on baseline and travel surveys wereparticipating schools in circulated May 2009, to October 2009 all and May 2010. 433 The response rate for all threehigh surveys was and the survey results robust. Results from schools that undertookbetween the 2008 programme & 2010 indicate thatyears over the past participating two schools inreduction private car use to experienced more modes sustainable aof travel to school. 27%

The total student population during this period was 74,000. • • • • 1

A review of theGreen-Schools Travel second demonstates year that the ofcontinues programme to the be a national success in roll-out changing theattitudes of of schools behaviour participating in and relation to school travel. In accomplishing this,targets the set in programme terms of hasfrom reducing car-based achieved school, travel to while and travelling to school increasing by sustainable modes of the transport. number of pupils Executive Summary Cycle Parking 115 Achieved Cycling & Walking to School 17% 43% 41% Cycle Training 137 Walkability Audits 126 Target Cycling & Walking 8% 8% 8.5% Over 32,850 pupils in 250 schools took part inWOW National day (Walk on setGreen-Schools a Wednesday) target of 20,000 on for in participation thethe 19th event, this May. was exceeded by 12,850walked students on who the day. Over 3,717 children cycled to school on National COW Day (Cycle on Wednesday) in June 2010. It is estimated that anthe additional in programme Travel 240 2010, September this will schools bring will join the number of participating schools152,313 to pupils. over 650 and The programme received acoverage during high the school degree year of withgarnered around events much arranged during media National Bike publicity Week and National Walk to School Week. National targets and results for Green-Schools Travel: • • • • • Walking Bus 82 Achieved Car use to School -30% -22% -20% Park n Stride 248 Target Car Use -10% -12% -13% COW Days 201 WOW Days 307 No. of Pupils 20,000 101,000 150,000 No of Visits 1875 No. of Schools 49 314 482 06-08 08-09 09-10 Year No of Schools 418 Over the courseeighteen Travel of Officers have conducted over the 1,850 2009-2010school visits to 418 schools. On school participating average year, each school has beenGreen-Schools Travel Officer during the visited school year. 4.5 times byIn efforts their to increase sustainable modes of travelthe on school run; 73%WOW days of (Walk On participating Wednesday), 59% schools runstride park run ‘n initiatives, 48% runWednesday) and 19% COW facilitate walking buses. days (CycleIn On addition 137 schools (33%) received cycle training and 115 schoolsfacilities under the (27%) Green-Schools travel programme received cycleover the course parking of the school year. 5,996 pupilsSeptember received 2009 and June cycle 2010Travel as programme. training part of between the GS 1,830 bike parking spacesschools between September were 2009 and installed June 2010. in 115 • • • • •

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 02 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 03 03 It also measures the performance of the programme over a two year period fromthrough a analysis of comparative September survey results compiled 2008 to Juneat 2010 the beginning of the school yearthose (October collected 2008), towards with the end ofSchools the Travel two programme year (May Green- 2010).Inreport addition, the outlines thehighlights development ongoing ofinitiatives the work schools are undertaking, provides an programme, update on of Green-Schools cycling the initiatives and events, and ground, charts the identifies future development of the programme. and c) external issues affecting the school.of The awarded number flags is anprogramme indication of the to successcompleting of the date the two year cycle and as achieving modalon shift the schools school run. This are levelongoing of support success by is successfully Green-Schools as staff a onas result the well of ground as asustainable growing modes of awareness travel. within schools about 2

Abbreviations include in the reportDepartment are of as Transport, follows: LA; GS; Local Green-Schools, Authority. GST; Green-Schools Travel, NTA; National Transport Authority, DOT; 2 199 schools were awarded their Green-Flag for Travel in 2010, thisstarted represents the Travel theme 75% in 2008. These of are allthat all schools worked on schools the theme which for two yearstotal and brings number the ofTravel to schools 243. A awarded number of schools chose Green-Flags toTravel defer for their flag until 2011including; due a) to wishing a toachieve greater modal number shift work b) a of longer change in co-ordinator reasons on the flag to 2.2 Green–Schools Travel The 2009-2010 school year was another busy yearGreen-Schools. The for programme is now in its thirteenth year and is stillparticipation. seeing During this new year alone schools 307 newregistered registering schools which for brings the totalregistered number to of schools 3,433During or Year 13 83% the of numberGreen-Flag schools of increased schools by in awarded a Ireland. the furthertotal 284 number bringing the ofIreland schools to 2,051. flying Thisschools represents the in around Green-Flag Ireland. 46% In of in 982 all total Green-Schools Green-Flags awarded ceremonies in throughout 2010ceremonies were the held and in the following locations; country. Croke heldPark The Dublin, 36 Thomand Park award Limerick, award Kilkenny, W. Cork, Meath Galway, and Donegal. 2.1 Green-Schools General 2. Progress to Date

The Green-Schools Travel theme isSchools part programme of which the is Green- funded operated by by the An Department of Taisce, Transportby and the Dublin supported Office. Transportation The aim of the Travel theme is to encourage schools tomodes of promote sustainable transport to and pupils encourages Travel and from parents to school. walk, cycle, Park Green-Schools n Stride, use public transport or car pool instead ofthe using private car on the school run. Thisprogress report of outlines the the Green-Schools Travel programme over the period September 2009 to June 2010. 1. Introduction 3. Results and Analysis of May rvlPors Report Progress Travel 2010 Surveys

3.1 Introduction and Methodology The data and analysis was carried out independently by

• UCD Urban Institute who were successful in the tendering uun2010 Autumn In May 2010 a follow-on survey was carried out in process carried out in April 2010. The follow-on survey format schools which started the Travel theme in September was the same structure as the survey used in May 2009 with 2008 and September 2009. This was a follow-on 11 questions in the student survey and 10 questions in the survey to monitor the progress of schools with respect 04 staff survey. The delivery of the survey was through a to modal shift away from the private car as well as to personally issued process, where the class teacher, GS Co- determine behavioural change in schools towards ordinator or GS Travel Education Officer asked a class of sustainable travel. The results of the survey were pupils to respond to questions by raising their hands. The compared to the baseline and follow-on surveys survey also offered teachers the opportunity to provide completed by 2008 schools and the baseline survey additional comments on the programme. completed by 2009 schools. Following the collation of the data comparative analysis was The 2009 follow-on survey was primarily carried out by carried out to determine the progress of the schools over GS Travel Education Officers, however a number of the following periods: 2008-2010 and 2009-2010. The teachers also carried out the survey. The 2008 follow- comparative results from the 2008-2010 surveys shows the on survey was solely carried out by teachers due to modal shift experienced by schools who have undertaken two limited capacity amongst GS staff, a prize fund was years of the GS Travel programme, the majority of which have used as an incentive for schools to complete the been awarded their Green Flag for Travel. The results from survey. The 2009 follow-on survey data represents 107 2009-2010 surveys indicate the modal shift experienced by schools with some 365 separate surveys which totals schools which have undergone their first year of the GS Travel 9,671 student responses. The 2008 follow-on survey theme. The key results are outlined below. data represents 94 schools with some 424 separate surveys which represents 9,671 student responses. The responses for both surveys were evenly spread 3.2 2008 schools: Final Student Survey between urban and rural (2009 – 48% urban, 51% Results3 rural) (2008- 42% rural, 38% urban) and there was a good geographical distribution around the country. 3.2.1 Question: How do you usually travel TO school?

Table 1: Travel TO school

Mode Baseline 1st 2nd 3rd Increases/decreases Modal Change 2008 Follow-on Follow-on Follow-on between Baseline between Baseline Survey Survey Survey Survey 2008 & 3rd 2008 & 3rd May 2009 Oct 2009 May 2010 Follow-on Survey Follow-on Survey Car 58.8% 49.6% 49.8% 42.7% -27% - 16.1% Walk 18.4% 28% 23.4% 26.6% +31% + 8.2% Cycle 3.6% 3.9% 3.3% 4.8% +25% +1.2% Mixture 6% 14% 8% 11% +45% + 5% (Park n Stride)

Bus 17.5% 17.2% 12% 11% -37% - 6.5% Train 0 0.5% 2.5% 3.7% +100% + 3.7%

3 ‘2008 schools’ denotes those schools who started working on the travel theme in September 2008 and completed the theme in June 2010. rvlPors Report Progress Travel • uun2010 Autumn

05

Figure 1: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Car Journeys TO School4

Figure 2: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Walking TO School

Figure 3: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Cycling TO school

4 Please note that the analysis of the data was carried out in June 2010 hence UCD has labelled the final survey as June 2010 as opposed to May 2010. Modal Change between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -13% +7.9% +2.1% +0.4% -6.2% +3.9% Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -23% +27% +44% +5.8% -34% +100% 3rd Follow-on Survey May 2010 42.7% 29.1% 4.7% 6.8% 12% 3.9% 2nd Follow-on Survey Oct 2009 47.3% 25.9% 3.2% 5.2% 13.5% 2.5% 1st Follow-on Survey May 2009 48.7% 30% 3.9% 11.4% 19.5% 0 Baseline 2008 Survey 55.7% 21.2% 2.2% 6.4% 18.2% 0 An increase in the number of studentsAn walking increase to in school cycling of numbers 31%. of 25%,An and increase in Park n Stride of 45%. A reduction in car journeys to school of 27%, • • • • Table 1 and Figures 1-3 above outlines the comparativeOct changes 2008 from all and four May surveys 2010. carried The out between results from the final follow-on survey for 2008 schools shows the following: Figure 4: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Car Journeys FROM School 3.2.2 Question: How do you usually travel FROM school? Train Bus Mixture (Park n Stride) Cycle Walk Car Mode Table 2:Travel FROM School

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 06 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 07 An increase in the number of studentsAn walking increase home in from the school number of students 27%, cycling and; to school of 44%. A reduction in car journeys from school of 23%. • • • Table 2 and Figures 4-6 above outlineOct the 2008 comparative and changes May from 2010. all The four results surveys from carried the out final between follow-on survey from 2008 schools shows the following; Figure 6: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Cycling FROM School Figure 5: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Walking FROM School Modal Change between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -14.5% +12.6% +11.2% -3.5% -10% -3.5% Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -59% +46% +26% -46% -60% -59% 3rd Follow-on Survey May 2010 9.8% 27% 42.9% 4% 6.7% 2.4% 2nd Follow-on Survey Oct 2009 13% 25.2% 46.8% 4.3% 10.2% 2% 1st Follow-on Survey May 2009 12.3% 20.2% 54.4% 8.5% 9.7% 1% Baseline 2008 Survey 24.3% 14.4% 31.7% 7.5% 16.7% 5.9% The desire to be driven to schoolThe decreased number by of 59%. students who wished toStudents cycle also to showed school a increased keen by interest 26%. in walking to school with an increase of 46%. Students have a strong preference towards sustainable transport modes. • • • • Table 3 and Figure 7 outline theand comparative changes May from 2010. all The four surveys results carried from out the between final Oct 2008 follow-on survey from 2008 schools shows the following; Figure 7: 2008 Schools Final Student Survey Results; Preferred Mode of Transport TO School Train Bus Mixture (Park n Stride) Cycle Walk Car Table 3: Preferred Mode of Travel TO School Mode 3.2.3 Question: How would you prefer to travel TO school?

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 08 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 09 Modal Change between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -10.4% +3.9% +1.9% +2% +1% 0% Modal Change between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey +26.2% +13.9% +6.8% +3.2% Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -11% +56% +35% +59% +100% 0% Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey +33% +26% +24% +20% 3rd Follow-on Survey May 2010 85% 6.9% 2.9% 3.4% 1% 0% 3rd Follow-on Survey May 2010 72% 52.3% 27.8% 15.7% 2nd Follow-on Survey Oct 2009 88.4% 4.6% 4.3% 0% 1% 0% 2nd Follow-on Survey Oct 2009 72.9% 53% 27% 20.5% 1st Follow-on Survey May 2009 89% 5% 1% 3% 1% 0% 1st Follow-on Survey May 2009 67% 56% 26% 17.4% Baseline 2008 Survey 95.4% 3% 1% 1.4% 0% 0% Baseline 2008 Survey 45.8% 38.4% 21% 12.2% The number of children that cycle atThe home number has of increased children by own 33%. a helmetThe increased number by of 26%. children that wear aThe helmet number when of cycling children increased that by wear 24%. a hi vis vest when cycling increased by 20%. • • • • Table 4 outlines the comparative changes2010. The from results all from four the surveys final carried follow-on out survey between from Oct 2008 2008 schools shows and the May following; 3.2.4 Questions Relating to Cycling Train Bus Mixture (Park n Stride) Cycle Walk Car Mode 3.3.1 Question: How do you usually travel TO School? Table 5: Staff Travel TO School 3.3 2008 Schools; Final Staff Survey Results Wear a high vis vest? Wear a helmet? Own a helmet? Cycle their bike at home? Table 4: Trends Relating to Safe Cycling Cycling Baseline Total 3rd Follow-on Baseline Urban 3rd Follow-on Urban Baseline Rural 3rd Follow-on Rural No 33% 74% 2nd Follow On Oct 2009 3rd Follow On May 2010 3rd Rural Follow-on Rural Baseline No 3rd Urban Yes 67% 26% Follow-on Urban Baseline Yes 3rd Follow-on Total Baseline The number of staff who walkThe to number school of has staff increased who by cycle 56%. The to number school of has staff increased who by park 35%. n stride has increased by 59%. The number of staff who travel to school by car has decreased by 11%. 0% 95% 90% 85% 80% 75% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 80% 70% 60% • • • • 100% Table 5 and Figure 82008 outlines and May the 2010. comparative The changes results from from the all final four follow-on surveys survey carried from 2008 out schools between shows Oct the following; Follow On Oct 2009 Follow On May 2010 Figure 9: Comparative participation rates in walking or cycling events between Oct 2009 and May 2010 Figure 8: 2008 Schools Final Staff Survey Results; staff journeys TO school by location rd nd 2 3 Survey Table 6: Participation in Walking or Cycling Events 3.3.2 Question: Have you participated in a walking or cycling event to school?

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 10 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 11 Baseline 2009 1st Follow On Modal Change between Baseline 2009 & 1st Follow-on Survey -10.2% +1.1% +1.9% +5.4% 0% -0.6% 5 11.6 Stride Park & 6.2 2.1 2.7 Transport Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -20% +4% +37% +46% 0% -22% 12 12 41.2 1st Follow-on Survey May 2010 41.2% 27% 5.1% 11.6% 12% 2.1% 51.4 5.1 3.2 Baseline Survey 2009 Schools 51.4% 25.9% 3.2% 6.2% 12% 2.7% 27 Walk Cycle Car Bus Public 25.9 There was an increase of 40.6% in thebetween number Oct of 2009 staff that and participated in May walking 2010. and The cyclingto key activities walking School & Week and cycling events Bike are Week. WOW days, COW Days, Walk 0% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% • Table 6 and Figure 9 outlines the comparative changes from twoMay surveys 2010. carried This out question between was Oct introduced 2009 in and the 2ndparticipation Follow-On rates survey for of walking 2008 and schools in cycling events. Oct The 2009 results to from gauge 2008 schools show the following; ‘2009 Schools’ denotes schools who started working on the travel theme in September 2009 and will complete the theme in June 2011. 5 Figure 10: 2009 Schools Follow-On Student Survey Results; Mode of Travel TO School Public Transport (inc train) Bus Mixture (Park n Stride) Cycle Walk Car Mode Table 7: Mode of Travel TO School 3.4 2009 Schools; Student Survey3.4.1 Results May Question: How 2010 do you usually travel TO School? Baseline 2009 1st Follow On Modal Change between Baseline 2009 & 1st Follow-on Survey -4% 0% +1.7% +1.8% +0.6% -1.1% 7.6 Stride Park & 5.8 2.2 3.3 Transport Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -8.4% 0% +34% +23% +4.5% -33% 13.3 12.7 41.2 1st Follow-on Survey May 2010 41.2% 29.8% 5% 7.6% 13.3% 2.2% 45.2 5 3.3 Baseline Survey 2009 Schools 45.2% 29.7% 3.3% 5.8% 12.7% 3.3% Walk Cycle Car Bus Public 29.7 29.8 The results show a 20% reduction inPark car n journeys Stride to saw school. the greatest changeThe with number a of 46% children increase. walking to schoolThe increased number by of 4%. children cycling to school increased by 37%. 0% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% • • • • Table 7 and Figure 10 outlines theand comparative changes May from 2010. two The surveys carried results out from between 2009 Oct schools 2009 show the following; Figure 11: 2009-2010 Follow-On Student Survey Results; Mode of Travel FROM School Public Transport (inc train) Bus Mixture (Park n Stride) Cycle Walk Car Table 8: Mode of Travel FROM School Mode 3.4.2 Question: How do you usually travel FROM School?

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 12 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 13 Baseline 2009 1st Follow On Modal Change between Baseline 2009 & 1st Follow-on Survey -4.5% 0% +4.5% +1.5% -1.4% 0% 2 Other 2.3 4.6 Stride Park & 3.1 2.2 2.2 Transport Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey -33% 0% +9% +32% -19% 0% 6 7.4 9.1 1st Follow-on Survey May 2010 9.1% 27.9% 48.8% 4.6% 6% 2.2% 13.6 48.8 44.3 Baseline Survey 2009 Schools 13.6% 27.5% 44.3% 3.1% 7.4% 2.2% 27.9 Walk Cycle Car Bus Public 27.5 There was no change in the numberThe of number children of walking children home cycling from home school. fromThe school number increased of by children 34%. park n striding increased by 23%. The results show an 8.4% reduction in car journeys from school. 0% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% • • • • Table 8 and Figure 11 outlines2009 the and comparative May changes 2010. from The two results surveys from carried 2009 out schools between show Oct the following; Figure 12: 2009 Schools Follow-On Student Survey Results; Preferred Mode of Travel to School Public Transport (inc train) Bus Mixture (Park n Stride) Cycle Walk Car Table 9: Preferred Mode of Travel to School Mode 3.4.3 Question: How would you prefer to travel to school? Baseline Follow On Modal Change between Baseline 2009 & 1st Follow-on Survey 0% +0.6% +1.3% Car Increases/decreases between Baseline 2008 & 3rd Follow-on Survey 0% +11% +46% Walk 1st Follow-on Survey May 2010 90% 5.2% 2.8% Cycle Baseline Survey 2009 Schools 90% 4.6% 1.5% 1 There was a reduction in the desireThe to desire travel to to cycle school to by school car increasedThe by of desire 9%. 33%. to park n stride increasedThe by desire 32%. to travel by bus declined by 19%. 10 100 • • • • The number of staffhowever leaving the number their who have carmay walked at & be cycled home due to hasn’t to schoolwalking has changed staff and increased moving between cycling. somewhat. It These from Oct is increases other hoped 2009the that sustainable car over and at the modes May course home of of on 2010, the transport a 2010/2011 regular school such basis. term as more staff public will transport leave to Table 9 and Figure 12 outlines theand comparative changes May from 2010. two The surveys carried results out from between 2009 Oct schools 2009 show the following; Figure 13: 2009 Schools Follow-On Staff Survey Results; Staff Travel TO School Cycle Walk Car Mode Table 10: Mode of Travel TO School 3.5 2009 Schools; Staff Survey3.5.1 Results Question: How do you travel TO School?

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 14 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 15 Baseline Follow On 36 1.40 Follow-up Survey 0.41 5.24 1.02 8.90 2.87 9.2 12.91 Baseline 2009 6.45 71.55 15.46 14.68 5% 0% 25% 20% 15% 10% 40% 35% 30% 64.79 Nobody else One person Two people Three people Four people Four + Participation in walking or cycling events increased by 26.8%. 0% • 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 80% 70% 60% Figure 15 outlines the comparative changes2010. from The two results surveys from carried 2009 out schools between show Oct the 2009 following; and May Of the 90% of staffThis that may travel be to an school indication by ofIf car the for there increased awareness has instance of been staff sustainable an have modesconsider increase of a carpooling in travel as limited the on an option number the option when school who instead. run. carpool. it comes to walking & cycling it is imperative that they Figure 15: 2009 Schools Follow-On Staff Survey Results; Have you participated in a walk or cycle event in the past two weeks? Figure 14: 2009 Schools Follow-On Staff Survey Results; Staff Carpooling on the Journey to School 3.5.3 Question: Have you participated in a walking or cycling to school event in the past two weeks? 3.5.2 Question: If you travel to school by car, how many people usually travel with you? 4. Action on the Ground rvlPors Report Progress Travel The effectiveness and ultimate success of the Travel 4.1 Cycling Update programme may be largely attributed to the work carried out by the Green-Schools Travel Officers on The Green-Schools Cycling Development Officer and GS the ground. Each Officer is responsible for Travel Officers have been engaged in promoting all

• aspects of cycling to school during the 2009/2010 school uun2010 Autumn approximately 20+ schools located in various catchments around the country. Over the course of the year. The main activities promoted by GS Travel include; past school year the GS Travel Officers have built up cycle training, Dr. Bike sessions, workshops, seminars strong relationships with their schools and wider and the promotion of cycling infrastructure. There has 16 communities and worked with them in introducing, been a real sea change with respect to how schools are developing and ultimately implementing the responding to cycling and anecdotally it is felt that a programme. Throughout the year Officers have cycling culture is developing. These changes are as a stimulated ongoing interest in the programme and result of the following actions/initiatives and incentives; facilitated action through various events and initiatives at local level. Over the school year 18 Travel Officers have conducted over 1,875 school visits to 418 participating schools. On average each school has been visited 4.5 times by their Green-Schools Travel Officer. These visits varied from; • Introductory meetings with coordinating teachers, principals and pupils, • Formal meetings with Green-School committees, • Information talks with Parents Associations and Boards of Management, • Delivery of presentations and workshops with teachers, pupils and parents, • Participation in one-off events and launches; and carrying out surveys and assessments on behalf of schools.

In response to the aims and objectives of the programme schools have undertaken and implemented many innovative sustainable travel 4.1.1 Green-Schools Smarter Travel Cycling Scheme initiatives and events to encourage the school population to buy into the ethos of Green-Schools The Green-Schools Smarter Travel Cycling Scheme was Travel. It should be recognised that many schools run developed in October 2009 during Year 5 (Sept 2009) WOW (Walk on Wednesday) and COW (Cycle on of the GS Travel programme. The initiative was Wednesday) initiatives on an ongoing basis to developed to allow schools to apply for cycle training encourage pupils to walk or cycle to school at least and parking at the same time and preference would be once a week. These events have proved hugely given to such schools. Research as part of the GS popular and successful in introducing walking and Travel programme has shown that when a school avails cycling cultures to participating schools. 73% of of both cycle parking and cycle training, the number of participating schools ran WOW days throughout the students cycling to school increases. The Green- year, while 48% held COW days. Information Schools Smarter Travel Cycling Scheme has been compiled by Green-School Travel Officers indicates developed to build on the success that both cycle that 44% of participating schools and 59% run park ‘n training and cycle parking bring to a school. The Green- stride initiatives. Schools have also taken part in Schools Smarter Travel Cycling Scheme operated national events including Green-Schools National during the 2009-2010 school year and may be Walk to School Week and National Bike Week. reintroduced in the future depending on demand. Table 11: Figures for Cycle Training Autumn 09 Dec 09 (GSSTCS) Spring/Summer 10

Nos. Schools 34 74 41 Report Progress Travel Nos. Students 1516 2884 1596 No CT before - 47 27 • uun2010 Autumn Table 12: Provision of Cycle Parking from Sept 2009 – June 2010 Autumn/Winter 09 Spring/Summer 2010 17 Nos. Schools 96 16 Nos. Spaces 1560 270

4.1.2 Cycling Training 4.1.4 Cycle Parking – Monitoring and Evaluation Cycling training has been an integral part of Green- Schools that applied for cycle parking were informed that Schools Travel since its inception in 2005. Although there they would be subject to monitoring and evaluation of is currently no national standard for cycle training, cycle their cycle parking. On previous years this was done by training is being carried out by many private training a spot check from the respective GS Education Officer providers throughout the country. Funding for cycling on a school visit. It was decided at the start of 2010 that training is offered at €10 per student up to a maximum of monitoring and evaluation should be carried out by the 60 students. For level 2 or on road training funding is school as this forms part of their 7 Steps. In February offered at €20 per student up to a maximum of 30 2010 the 112 schools that received cycle parking were students. In some exceptional cases a school received sent a monitoring and evaluation form which can be seen more than the maximum amount allowed. The figures on in Appendix 1. Schools were asked to do a spot check cycle training from September 2009 to June 2010 can be once a month over a 4/5 month period. Green-Schools seen in Table 11. The total number of students who Travel received 25% of the monitoring and evaluation undertook cycle training between Sept 2009 and June forms back. The results of the monitoring and evaluation 2010 is 5,996. It can be seen from the table that there is a for the 3 survey samples can be seen in Figure 15. peak in the number of students being cycle trained in December 2009. This is the result of increased funding as part of the Green-Schools Smarter Travel Cycling Scheme.

4.1.3 Cycle Parking Funding for cycle parking was continued in Year 5 (September 2009- June 2010) and schools were asked to apply in Sep/Oct 2009 to be eligible for cycle parking during the Autumn term. GS Travel received a large number of cycle parking applications from schools particularly those schools entering the 2nd year of their programme. In October 2009 GS Travel received additional funding from the Department of Transport to accommodate all of the schools that had applied which led to an increase in the number of schools receiving parking. The installations for cycle parking in the Spring/Summer term took place in May and June 2010 with all parking installations being completed before Bike Week 2010. Table 12 shows the number of schools that received cycle parking during Year 5 of the programme. The occupancy rate of cycle parking installed as part of the Green-Schools Travel programme. rvlPors Report Progress Travel 90%

80% Occupancy Rate (%) 70%

60% • uun2010 Autumn 50%

40%

30% 18 20%

10%

0% Survey 1 Survey 2 Survey 3

Figure 15: Occupancy Rate of Cycle Parking

The 1st survey had an occupancy rate of 50% with 4.1.6 Bike Week evaluation feedback citing exams, communions GS Travel is already looking forward to being part of the and weather as reasons for low cycling numbers. 2011 Bike Week committee. Some new ideas will be brought The 2nd survey sample provided an occupancy to the table including a change in date for the Secondary rate of 67% and the 3rd survey had an occupancy Cycle Challenge as part of Bike Week, an increase in rate of 90%. The feedback in the evaluation box coordination between LA’s and GS Travel Education Officer included weather, Bike Week, Walk to School on the ground and a national cycle to school, college and Week and school trips for reasons of low or high work day. cycling numbers. To have a more accurate result GS Travel needs to get a higher return on the • Secondary Schools Cycle Challenge - As the secondary monitoring and evaluation and perhaps this could schools are off during Bike Week which is held in June be done in a coordinated way between officers it was decided that they should be included in a lead up and the school. style event. The week selected to run the Secondary Cycle Challenge was the 10th May 2010. Green-Schools were asked to promote the event through the Green- 4.1.5 Cycling Subgroup Schools network and it was advertised in the An Taisce The cycling subgroup was set up during Year 5 e-zine. However the event may be moved to March 2011 (Sept 2009) of the programme and to date it has to enable more students to participate, a decision will met four times. The cycling subgroup allows for be made in October when the Bike Week committee idea sharing and updates from around the country meet to start planning for Bike Week 2011. and new ideas to be developed. To date the cycling subgroup developed the Bike 2 South Africa resource which was used on the lead up to the soccer world cup. The group is also looking at developing cycling postcards which will have top tips for cycling and an awareness raising postcard on theft of bicycles. The subgroup will be researching new ideas including the cost and benefits of cycling and cycling focus/training groups for parents. The group also discussed the highs and lows of bike week and recommendations for the future, these ideas will be shared at the next bike week meeting. 4000 3717 Bike Week 2009

3500 Report Progress Travel Bike Week 2010 3000

2500 •

2000 2010 Autumn

1618 1500

1000 19 500

0 Students Cycling

Figure 16: Number of Cyclists Recorded in Schools during Bike Week 2009 & 2010

• Primary Schools and Bike Week - GS Travel promoted Bike Week to all primary schools in their network, schools that took part were asked to submit their cycling numbers either as part of National COW day or as part of the week. Schools undertook events such as cycle training, cycling trips, bike maintenance workshops and cycle games. GS Travel also held ‘Bling UR Bike’ workshops in Shankill and at the ‘Pedal in the Park’ event in the Phoenix Park. Both were deemed a great success as a large number of children and adults participated in the workshops. A photographic review of all the events that took place

around the country can be seen in Appendix 2. Students of Colaiste Bride, Clondalkin • National COW Day - was held during Bike Week 2010 with 118 schools officially registering as part of their Wednesday 19th May was elected as National WoW GS Travel theme, an increase of 50% since 2009. The (Walk on Wednesday) Day and a target was set to number of cyclists is also up on last year with 3,717 have 20,000 children walking to school on the day all students making their way to school by bike as part of over Ireland. This target was exceeded with a total of the COW initiative compared to 1,618 in 2009. As 32,850 participating in National WoW Day in over 250 National COW Day is held during Bike Week schools schools throughout Ireland. In addition, many schools undertook a whole variety of initiatives to encourage organised exciting events throughout the week to more cycling to and from school. Initiatives and/or promote sustainable transport in their schools such as actions undertaken by schools included cycle environmental talks, healthy breakfast mornings and training, relay games, bike maintenance, healthy sponsored walks. breakfasts and workshops. 4.3 Cross-Border Initiative 4.2 National Walk to School Week A cross-border initiative was also organised by An National Walk to School Week ran from 17th -21st May with Taisce (ROI) and Travelwise (NI) during the week. As schools all across Ireland participating. The week proved part of a whole school day of action, pupils, parents a huge success overall with many schools organising and teachers of two schools; St. Tiarnachs, Clones, walking initiatives and sustainable travel events to and Monaghan and St. Patrick’s Primary School, Armagh from school. took part in a WoW (Walk on Wednesday) challenge. The aim was to promote walking as a sustainable mode Competition entries were judged by a panel made up of transport to school as well as to increase cross border of GS staff and 19 prize winners were chosen across partnerships between schools and associated three different age categories. Each winner received a

rvlPors Report Progress Travel organisations. Both schools achieved 89% participation new bike and safety gear and a prize-fund was on the day with students either walking all the way to awarded to each winning school to be used for their school or park n striding. The awards ceremony was Green-School’s programme to further develop their held in Clones Library and was attended by teachers environmental work in the school. The awards were and students from participating schools, the Lord Mayor held at a ceremony at An Taisce’s Tailors Hall and • uun2010 Autumn of Monaghan and a representative from the Department winners were presented prizes by Mr. Ciarán Cuffe, of Transport. Each school received a €500 voucher for T.D., Minister of State for Planning, Sustainable an adventure centre in their local community. Transport and Horticulture.

20 4.4 Green-Schools Travel 4.5 Green-Schools Teacher Training Competition 2010 Autumn 2009 For the fourth year running, Green-Schools Travel Throughout the month of October 2009 An Taisce’s GS invited participating travel schools to enter this year’s Travel and Development officers ran 17 teacher training competition. Students were asked to write a song, courses around the country. These courses took a poem or short story on the theme of ‘What does Green- practical approach to the implementation of the Green- School’s Travel mean to me or my school’. The travel Schools Travel programme in schools. The courses competition received over 1,000 entries of a very high were attended by 216 teachers at 15 locations across standard from schools around the country. the country.

Winners of the National Green-School’s Travel Competition at the awards ceremony in Tailor’s Hall, Dublin pictured with Ciarán Cuffe, Minister of State for Planning, Sustainable Transport and Horticulture. Table 13: Teacher Training Courses Autumn 2009 Location Local Authority Area Covered Number of Number of Schools Participants Report Progress Travel Wicklow Wicklow 8 12 Dublin (daytime) Dublin City/ South Dublin/ Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 9 15 Dublin (evening) Dublin City/ South Dublin/ Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 10 13 • uun2010 Autumn Swords Fingal 10 12 Tullamore Midlands 11 21 Ennis Clare 9 15 21 Limerick City Limerick/ North Tipperary 7 11 Tralee Kerry 55 Kilkenny City Kilkenny/Carlow 8 15 Kilmacthomas Waterford 35 Dundalk Louth/Meath/Monaghan/Cavan 89 Castlebar Mayo 12 14 Galway City Galway City/County 11 15 Galway City Galway City/County 66 Sligo Town Sligo/South Donegal 14 22 Carrick-on-Shannon Leitrim/Roscommon/Longford 13 15 Letterkenny Donegal 8 11

TOTAL 152 216

The courses aimed to: Evaluation and feedback of the courses suggest that overall teachers found the courses very useful and • Educate participants about school travel, local interesting, with one teacher stating; and global sustainable transport issues. “I really enjoyed the day and I’m looking forward to starting the Travel • Provide practical, low cost solutions to theme in my school!”. Please see Appendix 5 for the implementing the programme within the school agenda. structure. • Give interested and skilled individuals the 4.6 Green-Schools Teacher Training opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences. Summer 2010 • Equip the participants with the confidence and skills to coordinate the Green-Schools Travel Green-Schools also organized and facilitated week long programme in their schools. in-service Teacher Training courses for primary and secondary school teachers training them on the • Work in cooperation with Local Authorities (and programme and wider environmental and sustainability other agencies) and to introduce the participants issues. These courses were attended by 159 teachers to their local Environmental Awareness Officer at 8 locations across the country in conjunction with (EAO) and other stakeholders. Drumcondra Education Centre. Each course included • Gain insights from experienced Educators on how at least one day devoted to sustainable transport and best to support them in implementing the Green- the GS Travel theme. Please see Appendix 6 for the Schools Travel programme in schools. agenda for the day. 24 21 17 13 25 159 No of Participants 23 19 17

4.8 Publicity GS Travelthroughout the received 2009/2010 school year, at both extensive national and local media levels. Thearound national coverage majority events such of as this WalkBike to Week, coverage School National Competition Week, was Awards, WOW days, the Cross-Border Initiative and Green-Schools Awards. GS Travelprogramme compiles all frompublications, to articles date national, 114 articles were relating2009-2010 collated school for regional year. the National to Walk to Schoolgained and the Week national local Manager was coverage interviewed on RTE’s Morning Ireland when on Wednesday May the 19th. GSregularly GS Travel Education submit Officers articles Travel onnumber behalf have been of interviewed on schools localabout and news sustainable stations a travel. 4.7 Green-Schools – PILOT ‘Exploring Nature’ Summer Camp, Galway In a new developmentran for a An nature Taisce, Green-Schools camp8-12 for years children for between a the periodof ages of the of one course week, was inand July. to The awareness increase aim children’s of knowledge nature,personal develop skills and their ensureThe social camp they and proved had a great fun successby doing and 30 was children. this. attended It isextended envisaged that in this 2011 campcamp will to be included includetraining an more as introductory locations. well as The lifestyles session activities at home. to of promote cycle sustainable TOTAL 1st-7th July 5th-9th July 5th-9th July 5th-9th July 5th-9th July Date 5th- 9th July 1st-7th July 1st-7th July ” This was an excellent course.

I thoughtwith the plenty of variety. course was excellent Excellent course, thoroughly enjoyable and very useful & helpful. One of the best courses I’ve been on. I found myself surprised by just how well prepared and at ease whenall presenting of the tutorsnot were. It to was have refreshing anysessions. This added uncomfortable/boring to the warmth and enthusiasm of themake tutors a combined great to course.jump I right into feel green flag inspired when I to return to school! Feel really set up now toflag. tackle First the time next I had aother chance to GS chat Co-ordinators. to information & Great thoroughly enjoyable. ideas, Green-Schools hasfeedback analysed from the and participantspreliminary reports suggest of evaluated that each overall teachersthe the course rated and coursescomments as from teachers ‘Excellent’ include: or ‘Very Good’. Some Wexford Mayo Limerick Donegal Dublin Cork Galway Location Kerry Table 14: Teacher Training Courses Summer 2010 “

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 22 Tiarnan Mc Cusker the GS Travel Education Officer for 4.9 Green-Schools Website Galway City was interviewed about his job for the Galway Tribune, this was a great way to publicise the The website continues to experience a large rate of visits and hits, between November 2009 and September 2010

Travel theme throughout the region. The Clare Leader Report Progress Travel has also agreed to run a monthly article on Green- the website received over 134,000 visits and 3.6million Schools due to the success of the programme in the hits. The website has been running for almost five years county. In the 2009 – 2010 school year the GS Travel and during a review process this year three new micro programme received publicity in publications such as: sites have been developed which will link with the main •

website www.greenschoolsireland.org. The aim of the 2010 Autumn • Carlow People • Clare Champion micro sites is to enable users to navigate through the • Clare People • Donegal Democrat website easier, it is hoped that these sites will become • East Cork Journal • Evening Echo live by mid October. The 3 micro-sites will be: • Fingal Independant • Galway Advertiser 23 • - which will provide • Galway City Tribune • Galway Sentinel www.greenschoolsresources.org resources and useful links for teachers to use. • Inishowen Independant • Irish Examiner • Kerry’s Eye • Limerick Leader • www.greenschoolsnews.org - a regularly updated • Northern Standard • Northside People blog keeping people informed of all GS events etc. • Roscommon Herald • Skerries News • www.greenschoolscompetitions.org - specific info • The Connacht Tribune • The Irish Times about this year’s competitions and details of winners • The Kildare Nationalist • The Mayo News from previous years. • The Meath Chronicle • Vale Star • Waterford News and Star

Articles which appeared in publications around the country are included in Appendix 4. On 4th March 2009,Wednesday. Slieverue NS launched A Walkwork number On as of volunteer parentsApproximately wardens continued 80% on their of theChildren pupils zebra living participated further crossing. in fromto school WOW. participate were encouraged inpossible. park n stride Localprogress or residents through carpooling the were whereannouncements. school’s kept In website May informed 2009 andbanner a of church Walk was on put Wednesday facing up the on road to the informbe passers-by windows walking that on of children Wednesdays. will classrooms for Participation the remainder continued ofactivities the year being with awarenesscomplement carried raising the actions out undertaken by in the school. In all September classroomsreviewed. 2009, to the In additionand Travel to awareness continued Action raising curriculum projects,to Plan the work school focus was decided particularly for their children living in attentioncommittee Slieverue village. were successful The on inTaisce their for cycling application funding to An course to for cycle for school, parking 63training and pupils a was in training held 5ththoroughly enjoyed and on by all 6th 9th pupils. class. OctoberTraditionally, 2009 Slieverue Cycle and NS organiseprior was to an their Action assessment for Week theyear’s Action next Week Green took Flag. place from This Mondayto 8th Friday March 12th MarchGreen 2010. Table Quiz The for week familiesThis is began in a the with great Community a initiativeand Hall. to the inform local and involvework community parents about undertaken theparking by theme facility and was the officially the March opened school. 2010 on during Tuesday The an 9th children action new packed cycled day. cycle to OverCycling 130 Ireland school. presented toand the Rory children he Wiley, on and cycling, President,children other from local senior cyclingvillage. classes enthusiasts on Photos and a joined press cyclelocal release paper, around were the printed News the in and the Star. An organised walk inwhole the school local and area parents wasOn on held Wednesday for Thursday 11th the 2010. 12thschool’s assessment the for their local Green Flag. EAO conducted the Chiara Hanrahan To address the important September 2008 224

fashion away from theshop. school especially near the morning. vicinity of the two new roundabouts on the N25. walking, cycling, park and stride etc. walk at all. being used properly. most dangerous and hazardous fashion. Number of pupils: Start Date on Travel: GS Travel Education Officer: 7. Some children are crossing the road in a haphazard 6. Large trucks are passing through the village in the 5. There are no footpaths or a safe crossing area in the 4. The school is not very aware of the benefits of 3. Only village children walk to school. Very few others 2. The pedestrian crossing is rarely used and isn’t 1. Parking outside the school is being carried out in a

5.1 Case Study 1: Slieverue NS, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny 5. Case Studies Initiatives undertaken: issues of parking and the use of theas pedestrian crossing identified inundertaken the was to travel managecrossing the review, with use the parents of volunteering the first toChildren pedestrian act initiative as were wardens. thoughtcrossing how properly tocrossing and asking use parents to also the parkparking pedestrian in spaces began the or designated further picketing car awayRoad from safety the the school education gates. wasto carried further out demonstrate how in to be classrooms safeschool on noticed the a roads. very The positive change inincrease behaviour in and safety around the school gates. Slieverue NS is a mixedby-passed primary village school of located Slieverue. inpedestrian the crossing Some are parking located andand in the a front majority of of the pupilsarea. at school 65% the take school less than live ten in minutesAt the to the travel local beginning to of school. the Travel programme, Slieverueconducted NS a travelfollowing observations: review in their school with the

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 24 End Result: By the end of the 2009/2010 school year, 5.2 Case Study 2:Gaelscoil Mhic walking and cycling to school had become commonplace. According to the Principal, approximately Amlaigh, gCnoc Na Cathrach,

20 children cycle to school most days. The school has Gaillimh Report Progress Travel requested additional cycle parking as demand is exceeding availability of spaces most days. Number of pupils: 400 Maintenance on other themes is exceptional and it is highly likely that the positive changes achieved on the Start date on Travel: September 2009 •

Travel theme will be maintained in the future. Slieverue 2010 Autumn GS Travel Education Officer: Tiarnan McCusker NS raised their 5th Green Flag on 15th June 2010, a proud day for the pupils, staff and parents who turned out in great numbers to celebrate this achievement. Gaelscoil Mhic Amlaigh is a primary school of 400 pupils and 20 teachers and they have been involved in 25 the Green-Schools Travel programme since September 2009. The School is based in the Knocnacarra suburb of Galway City which is a residential area. An initial meeting was held in September 2009 between the Green-Schools Coordinator and the GS Travel Education Officer.

Initiatives Undertaken: The GS Travel Officer initially carried out awareness raising activities including a travel survey, presentations and workshops to all senior classes. A parent’s presentation was delivered to 25 parents during an evening in February which was very productive. The GS Travel Education Officer conducted Walkability Audits with 3rd class pupils, teachers and parents and two safe routes to school were identified. February 2010 was designated Park ‘n’ Stride month with the local Cappagh Park as the drop off point and this has been ongoing.

In February 2010 they also had the official opening of Figure 17: GS Committee counting bikes March 2010 their new cycle parking which was funded under the GS Travel programme. They held a Bling ‘ur’ Helmet competition with prizes from Green-Schools, cycle training for three classes, cycle maintenance with 6th class and the official ribbon cutting by a Gaelgeoir cycle trainer. 60 pupils cycled to school that day and there been an average of 25 pupils cycling every day since.

In March, the school took part in the Galway City St. Patrick’s Day Parade as part of the Smarter Travel Galway Bid. The GS Travel Education Officer liaised with Galway City Council’s Transportation Unit to prepare for the event prior to and on the day. The event gained a lot of local publicity which was of benefit to all who took part. During National Bike week 2010 they took part in the Fun Cycle Ride, as Gaelige with two other Gaelic speaking schools. 120 pupils cycled on the road to Cappagh Park where they had a picnic, fun cycle games and even had their faces painted! Figure 18: Cycle Training Oct 2009 This was organised by the GS Travel Education Officer 5.3 Case Study 3: St. Joseph’s Girls in conjunction with the schools, An Garda Siochana and the Galway Transportation Unit. N.S., Clonakilty, Co. Cork rvlPors Report Progress Travel The school continues to work on the Travel theme and Number of pupils: 240 have restarted their work in September 2010. They will continue to promote sustainable travel to school and Start date on Travel: September 2009 will hopefully receive their Green Flag for Travel in GS Travel Education Officer: Fiona Barry

• 2011. uun2010 Autumn

St. Joseph’s Girls N.S. is in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. It is an all-girls school with approximately 240 students and 14 26 teachers with classes from junior infants to 6th class. The school is located on the outskirts of Clonakilty town, next door to the all-girls secondary school. The school car park is shared with the local sports centre

Initiatives Undertaken: The school began their Travel theme in September 2009 with their committee comprising of 2 students from 4th, 5th and 6th classes. The school was very positive in taking on the Travel theme. The co-ordinator worked with the teachers in setting out an action plan for all classes with lots of different learning activities relating to the Travel theme for all classes in the school. These included lessons relating to road safety, food miles, history of travel, climate change and the environmental impact of travel

(CO2 emissions and the greenhouse effect). Throughout the year the GS Travel Education Officer visited various classes to deliver presentations and workshops. Figure 19: Cycling Novices - cycling for the first time after cycle training

Figure 20: Bike Week Fun Cycle 2010 The 6th class watched the “All About Carbon” videos and they had a discussion on the sources of carbon dioxide and the impacts on the environment, climate change and how travel impacts on the environment. The school rvlPors Report Progress Travel undertook a bike workshop where some students brought in their bikes and were shown how to check them for road- worthiness including how to adjust the saddle to be the correct height and how to fit a bicycle helmet correctly. On •

the last week of school they held a table quiz on Travel with 2010 Autumn prizes for all teams, it was a very popular event!

The school decided to organize a walking bus and in preparation for their first Walking Bus day, St. Joseph’s held 27 a meeting with parents and the local guard to discuss the best way to make it a success. All parents were notified of the event which took place on the 7th May 2010. This coincided with the week the Road Safety Authority shuttle Figure 22: St. Josephs 1st WOW Day May 2010 bus visited the school, which was organised as part of the Travel theme. The first walking bus was very successful. It began at the garda station and pupils walked 5.4 Case Study 4: Roscommon approximately 1km to the school. Students were given a Community College, Roscommon Green-Schools and RSA hi-vis vests and a balloon and many parents joined in on the walk. There was a huge Town, Co Roscommon reception at the school where the Town Mayor welcomed them on arrival. All the students, teachers and parents who Number of pupils: 130 participated enjoyed it. It was so successful that they September 2009 continued the Walking Bus for the rest of the term. Start date on Travel: GS Travel Education Officer: Imelda Ryan Jones In addition St. Joseph’s undertook cycle training, part- funded by An Taisce with the training company Cycle Sense. The 5th and 6th class students all participated and Roscommon Community College is located in the school decided to have their first cycle day on the Lisnamult, Roscommon Town and has 130 pupils and National COW day, 16th June 2010. Over 40 students 20 teachers. The School has already had Green Flags participated with teachers and the local cycling club and for Litter & Waste, Energy and Water with the help of gardai helped to facilitate the event. The Town Mayor also both Suzanne Dempsey, Environmental Awareness cycled to school on the day! The walkers stopped traffic Officer with Roscommon County Council and Lorraine and cycled around the town to highlight the event and Flanagan, Green-Schools Development Officer with An received great publicity in a half-page article in the Taisce. The school began work on the theme of Examiner the following day. Again, there was a huge Sustainable Travel in September 2009. reception at the school to celebrate the day. St. Joseph’s During Autumn 2009 an are hoping to further encourage cycling to school and will Initiatives Undertaken: extensive travel survey was carried out to gather base line apply for cycle parking in the next school year. data on how staff and students travelled to and from school. It was discovered that very few pupils walked to school and zero pupils cycled to school, along with zero teachers walking or cycling. It was also discovered that cycling to and from school or to their bus stop appealed to more students than walking so the Green-Schools committee decided it was very important that students underwent training prior to cycling. Initially in the early Spring term the delivery of lots of An Taisce resources such as Green-Schools high visibility jackets for all pupils, prizes for competitions such as bicycle helmets, locks, lights, mini tool kits etc helped to get more students thinking more about cycling. Figure 21: St. Josephs 1st COW Day June 2010 On Friday there was a cycling quiz and lots of prizes from the GS Travel Education Officer and rewards for the pupils who had successfully completed the cycle training. Photos were taken of the school’s current cycle storage unit, which rvlPors Report Progress Travel is very green indeed as it is a miniature weeping willow tree. However it only fits 2 bikes and as the schools has now, due to the Green-Schools Travel programme, gone from zero cyclists in September 09, at the onset of the •

uun2010 Autumn programme, to, since Spring 2010, 7 pupils who are cycling every day. Due to the promotion of secondary school bike week the school envisages more students purchasing bicycles and starting to travel to school by The Green-School Committee invited local cycling 28 bike. As school bags can be carried on the back bicycle enthusiasts, Donmamnon Dynamo Cycling Club, to visit carrier this will also help to alleviate the problem many the school to talk to students. The Green-Schools students face of carrying heavy school bags. Committee invited a student who had started to cycle to school on some days to be part of the Committee and be Following the School’s dedication to encouraging cycling an ambassador for cycling. They also emphasised that amongst its students and staff the GS Travel Education students travelling to school on the bus were doing their Officer put together and submitted an entry to Bike Weeks bit for encouraging sustainable travel and were delighted national competition in a bid to win a much needed Cycle when one pupil started to get the train to school. Car Storage Unit for the students. Imelda was delighted to sharing amongst pupils who are dropped to school by discover, during the schools summer break that they were parents was encouraged and also getting their parents one of two winners in Connacht. As the school was unable to drop them further away from the school so that the to attend the award ceremony held at the Pedal in the Park student could walk the rest of the day. This was more of a event in Phoenix Park in late June, the GS Travel Education challenge as secondary school students have very heavy Officer went along and collected the framed Certificate school bags and parents tend to prefer to drop them from TD Cíarán Cuffe, Minister for State. closer to the school because of this. The Committee has resolved to focus on this issue in upcoming autumn term.

During the May 2010 National Walk to School week 20 students walked all the way to school and seventy five walked to their bus stop instead of being driven. Raising awareness of the secondary school bike week took place during the weeks in the run up to 10th May 2010. Posters were created and posted throughout the school to remind all pupils and staff of the special event week. An Taisce’s Travel Education Officer visited to talk to pupils and promotional photos were taken alongside a huge banner promoting cycling.

On Monday 10th a group of 30 1st and 2nd year students In the new academic year, 2010-2011, the GS Travel cycled to Castlecoot which is a 10.5 mile round trip. Education Officer will be hosting a ‘Staff Spin Session’ Accompanying them were PE Teacher Laura Harrison, when teachers and other members of staff can have a go John Concar of Domamnon Dynamo Cycling Club and on her bicycle and recapture that great feeling of being Noel Feehily from Roscommon Sports Partnership. On back on a bike. The school hopes to be able to avail of GS Tuesday and Thursday of that week there was an art ‘Beauty and the Bike’ initiative and looks forward to further competition encouraging students to create inspiring promoting cycling amongst the young ladies at the school. pieces of art to help promote cycling to school. On Pedal Right will be going back to the school to carryout Tuesday and Wednesday Pedal Right Cycle Training Level 2 out on the road training with the pupils who came to the school and trained pupils in 1st and 2nd year completed Level 1 during secondary school bike week. who had started to cycle to school as well as pupils who They will also do the new combination Level 1 & level 2 could take the initiative and start cycling to school. cycle training course with the incoming first years so there All 60 pupils completed the level 1 in full and also had the should be lots more cyclists in Roscommon Community opportunity to go out on the road for some of level 2. College getting on their bikes. 6. The Next Steps rvlPors Report Progress Travel 6.1 Ongoing Development of the The schools are located throughout the Republic with the greatest areas of growth being the Greater Dublin Area Programme and the Midlands. The success of the programme depends on a number •

of factors including the continued development of 2010 Autumn resources and materials for participating schools. The 6.3 Seminars and Surveys new resources & materials which are currently being Green-Schools will be delivering teacher training developed include; seminars in October to all new schools who are beginning the Travel theme. The courses will be run in conjunction 29 • Transition Year Units which can be used by TY with the Local Authority and will focus on the following: students to undertake projects based on the themes of GS including Travel. • Introduction to Sustainable Travel • Lesson plans for SPSE and CSPE subjects. • The Barriers & Solutions to school travel • Developing a Bike Lending Scheme for schools. • Key Initiatives & Resources available to schools • Developing a parent/teacher introductory cycling • Case Studies of schools from around the country. course. The seminars are crucial to ensure that schools actively • Developing a media guidance toolkit for staff & participate in the programme from the onset as well as schools. to introduce them to the GS Travel Education Officers • Finalising the Beauty & the Bike Initiative in who will work with them over a two year period. Green- association with The Body Shop. Schools will also be carrying out quantitative surveys in the month of October with all new and existing schools 6.2 New Schools to collect date in relation to their baseline and follow on surveys. This year GS have also decided to carry out It is estimated that an additional 240 schools will join longitudinal surveys which will track individuals for a the Travel programme in Autumn 2010, this will bring two year period to assess their modal habits and any the number of participating schools to over 650 with modal change they may undertake between now and 152,313 pupils. June 2012.

7. Conclusion

With the support of the Department of Transport and the emissions and increasing safety on the school run. National Transportation Authority the Green-Schools Anecdotal evidence has also suggested an increase in Travel Programme continues to be successful in community participation and partnership amongst positively affecting change on the school run. A schools who are taking part in the programme, this may significant modal shift among participating schools, lead to greater community cohesion & support for future from the private car to more sustainable modes of sustainable travel initiatives. transport has occurred between 2008 and 2010. The data displayed in the report has indicated the modal In Autumn 2010 an additional 240 schools from across change experienced in two cohorts, 2008-2010 schools Ireland will join the programme and it is anticipated that and 2009 schools. Both of these groups have seen a these schools will work hard to achieve modal shift in reduction in the number of car journeys to school and their schools. Green-Schools will continue to support all an increase in the number of students who have walked schools participating in the programme over the next & cycled to school. Consequently this has resulted in school year to ensure greater numbers of parents, reducing traffic congestion, improving the health and children and staff walk, cycle, car pool or use public fitness of the school population, reducing carbon transport on the school run. Photo taken Yes Evaluation (comments) Only 4 bikes cold weather may have played a part. Also school trip today. Weather e.g. sunny, warm, rain, cold Sunny & v.cold Number of bikes 4 Date survey 01/01/01

The week kicked off on the Sunday 13th June 2010 with a Green-Schools Bling UR Bike workstation at the Activ8 event in Shanganagh Park that was organised by Dun Laoghiare Rathdown County Council. A Green-Schools Travel photographic review from around the country. Appendix 2: Bike Week 2010 An Taisce EEU Unit 5A,end Swifts of Alley, each Francis school Street, Dublin yearGreen-Schools 8. to Notice All win board completed (step cycling forms 6 resources of are for your entered your 7 into school. steps a Remember – raffle you informing at can and the involving display this form on your Please send completed forms back to Ally Menary, Cycling Development Officer, Have you taken a photo to back up your monitoring? Example Month Is your parking sheltered: Yes No Number of bicycle parking spaces: School Name: Appendix 1: Monitoring and Evaluation form for Cycle Parking Appendices

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 30 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 31 Students from Milford, Limerick get into the2010. spirit There of Green-Schools were National 62 COW Dayhand students as to part and help of 25 out. Bike Week parents mooing their way to school, thankfully a cowboy was on St. Fergal’s, Bray held amini cycle bicycle picnic in as the part school. of their celebrations and Arklow BNS had cycle games on a Events in Shannon saw over 100as well. cyclists who not only took to the streets but went for some off road riding The only traffic jamfrom in St. Marys Pettigo on was their bikes, the toptheir left students hands students up put for more cycling, more safely, more often and top right students wait patiently forturn their during on road cycling training as part ofGreen-Schools Travel their Programme. An escaped COW bike wasto spotted help in celebrate Limerick, Green-Schools whilst National mother COW and Day daughter as headed part off of to Bike school Week in 2010. Sligo All bikes were made from reusable materials resulting in a truly green day. Donabate Portrane Educate Together NS got creative for their bike week by holding a mini bike making competition.

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 32 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 33 Students from Scoil Seamus Naofa, Galway above take to the bike to beat thestudents at traffic Holy to NS, Trinity school. Mayo lock Whilst their bikes to the new cycle parkingGreen-Schools Travel Programme. facilities installed by the Students from Holy Rosary, Tallaght held lots ofmaking celebrations as their part of way their to Bike Weekfrom school with Tallaght over on to 100 Marlay National cyclists Park, COW what Day. better The way following to enjoy day the around warm 60 weather. cyclists made their way Students at St. Tiarnach’s, Clones putLouth the students effort in from to Gaelscoil get Dun upthe Dhealgan the list go hill of through on Green-Schools their their events way paces for to learning Bike school new Week by control 2010. bicycle. skills In as Co. part of Students check out the activities at theof Green-Schools Travel their stand Bike at a Week recent 2010. event held in Clonmel as part

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 34 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 35 The girls at Scoil Raifteiri, Mayo hangwheels out on before their school. Meanwhilestudents go in on a Clara cycle the throughAnn’s, the Waterford town help and spread St. the wordare that cycling they to school. Can you spot the new cycle parkingof at Claregalway their NS? Scoil new Mhuire, Brosna cycle in Kerryspread parking celebrate the the and message opening that students the from bicycle Gaelscoil is the Mic mode Amlaigh, of choice Galway on City their take journey to to school. the streets to Students in Old Leighlin, Carlow spread the word to the school community that they are cycling to school. Tullow BNS whizz through the country roads on their way to schoolWeek comes and to a Bike closeLimerick in withparade a attended by those bicycle involved onSchools the Travel programme Green- in the area. St. Laurence’s, Stillorgan CBS Primary, Dundalk Colaiste Einde, Salthill, Co Galway School St Paul’s JNS, Ayrfield, Dublin 13 Feenagh NS, Kilmallock, Co Limerick Scoil Aodan Naofa, Carnew, Co Wicklow Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford Gary Cooney Jordan Connolly Karl Power Erin McCabe Michael Davis Colm Brennan Sebastian Strohmayer Shane Malone Leah Heatley David Galvin Cora Tyrrell Tomas O’DwyerCian McAndrew Thomas Coyle Claregalway NS, Co Galway Catherine Hearne St Declan’s Community College, Shanelle RaffertyCian Moynes Shauna Murphy Sarah Clonburris Molloy NS, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • st Song rd Poem nd Short story strd Poem Short story nd Poem 2nd Poem Joint 1st Song Joint 1st Song Appendix 4: Publicity from Around the Country C1 B3 B2 A A3 Category PlaceA1 Type of Entry Pupil Appendix 3: National Competition Winners 2010 B C2 B

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 36 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 37

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 38 Travel Progress Report • Autumn 2010 39 End Practical activity, giving participants an understandingof of how the to carry quality out of anassessing assessment the a quality route of for footpaths, lighting, walking. traffic speeds, Evaluating infrastructure, how safety, etc. pedestrian-friendly This a route is by workshop will include a demonstration on Google mapping. pooling. Break into groups for a peer-to-peer activity to promote sustainable transport. Lecture will provide practical information on available supports in the County. activities. Introduction on sustainable modes of transport: walking, cycling, park ‘n stride and car Explore the health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling. Includes games and Group work Group work Experiences so far Including refreshments Plus ice breaker activity Getting started on your Travel theme Green-Schools Travel Education Officers Talks from Jim Callery, Environmental Awareness Officer, Wicklow County Council and Kathryn & Sandra, 1.45pm - 2.30pm Cycling2.30pm in Dublin 1.00pm - 1.45pm Sustainable modes of transport 12.30pm - 1.00pm Lunch 11.15am - 12.30pm Walkability Audit 11.00am - 11.15am Coffee Break 10.00am - 11.00am Benefits of Walking and Cycling 9.30am - 10.00am Introduction to Travel Theme Appendix 6 – Agenda for the In service Travel Day July 2010 14.00 Close 13.00 Lunch 12.50 Q & A 10.30 Arrivals & Registration Appendix 5 – Agenda for Teacher Training Workshop Oct 2009 12.05 Case Studies 12.15 Resources and support 11.00 Welcome & introduction 11.15 Why Travel... 11.45 Workshop 1 - Obstacles & Solutions to School Travel 12.30 Workshop 2 – Promoting sustainable school travel

• Autumn 2010 Travel Progress Report 40

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