Safer cycling and walking to school for Inverness pupils

Pupils at four Inverness schools are to benefit from projects being delivered by The Highland Council through the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets (CWSS) programme.

Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee have given their approval for £58,218 CWSS funding for projects at Culloden Academy and Muirtown, Milton of Leys and Hilton Primaries.

Culloden Academy pupils are to benefit from new cycle storage and racks for 20 bikes. The £9,600 funds allocated for the school will also be used to repair and re-fix existing bike racks and holders.

At Muirtown Primary £15,000 will provide a new barrier, dropped kerb, road lining and car parking improvements.

In addition to new cycle storage already installed at Milton of Leys Primary, £10,000 funding will also provide new fencing and road markings.

At Hilton Primary school new cycle storage costing £23,618 will accommodate up to 50 bikes with additional racks for scooter parking.

The aims of the projects are to improve pupil and parent/carer safety while walking and cycling to and from school and encouraging active travel. The projects are identified by the Highland Council’s Road Safety Unity working with schools to help them produce School Travel Plans that meet their individual requirements.

Provost and Leader of the City of Inverness Area Committee Councillor Helen Carmichael said: “Saving lives is the ultimate goal of any road safety plan. While we aim to reduce road accidents we can also encourage healthy living and active lifestyles by enabling our children to walk or cycle to and from school safely. Active travel is a healthy habit that will set them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”

Councillor Graham Ross, Member for Inverness West Ward added: “I would like to thank the Council’s Road Safety Officer, and Head Teacher, teachers and parents at Muirtown Primary School for the considerable amount of consultation that took place. The works at Muirtown Primary will make a significant difference to the safety of all going to and from the school.”

10 Sep 2015