Loading...
2201 view(s)
The school morning routine is a familiar routine for many parents, but it can also be a source of stress. Traffic, parking struggles and concerns about children’s safety all add to the challenge. A simple and effective solution to these problems lies in the careful design of the school environment. Street furniture from Broxap – like bollards, canopies and cycle parking – can help to create a safer and more pleasant experience for children and parents. These everyday features not only improve the everyday school run, but also encourage healthier and more sustainable forms of transport.
Bollards: Keeping traffic in check
One of the most important ways to ensure the safety of children during the school run is to control vehicle accesses and speed around schools. Bollards are a simple yet powerful tool for this purpose.
Bollards can be strategically placed at the entrances and exits of school grounds, or along pavements to prevent cars from driving and parking where they shouldn’t. They also encourage drivers to slow down and pay more attention to their surroundings, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting children as they walk, cycle or scoot to school.
Many primary schools have already introduced car-free zones during pick-up and drop-off times to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Bollards can help enforce these zones by creating clear boundaries between car areas and walking routes.
While functional, bollards don't have to be dull. Modern designs offer bollards in various shapes, sizes, and colours, allowing them to blend into the school environment or add a touch of character. Some bollards, such as our Centurion Bollards, incorporate LED lights to improve visibility during darker mornings or evenings.
Canopies: Shelter from the weather
Installing canopies around the school entrances, drop-off zones and play areas, schools can create more welcoming environments for families, whatever the weather.
A well-placed canopy can make all the difference on a rainy morning. Parents and children can take shelter under a canopy while waiting for the school gates to open, staying dry and comfortable instead of huddling under umbrellas. On hot, sunny days, canopies provide much-needed shade from harmful UV rays as they wait or play. This encourages more families to walk or cycle to school, knowing that they will have protection from adverse weather when they arrive.
Canopies can also enhance drop-off areas. Covered walkways from the school entrance to building entrances make it easier for parents to drop off their children, knowing they can walk to the door without getting soaked. Covered walkways can also help create designated waiting areas which reduce crowding at school gates and make it easier to manage busy times.
Beyond the school run, canopies can benefit schools in other ways. Covered outdoor spaces allow for more outdoor activities during the school day, rain or shine. Whether it's playtime, outdoor learning, a sheltered dining space, canopies give children the chance to be active and enjoy fresh air without worrying about the weather.
Cycle parking: Encouraging active travel
The key to encouraging more families to cycle to school is making it as convenient and safe as possible. Cycle parking—such as bike racks or lockers—provides a secure place for children and parents to store their bikes during the school day. When families know they have a safe spot to park their bikes, they are more likely to choose cycling over driving.
The key to encouraging more families to cycle to school is making it as convenient and safe as possible. Cycle parking provides a secure place for school aged children and staff to store their bikes during the school day. When families know they have a safe spot to park their kids’ bikes, they are more likely to choose cycling over driving.
Cycle parking also promotes independence for older children. As they grow more confident in cycling, children can ride to school on their own or with friends, knowing there is a secure place to park their bikes. This can reduce the need for parents to drive their children to school and encourages a more active, healthy lifestyle.
Installing cycle parking is a relatively low-cost way for any secondary or primary school to promote sustainable travel and contribute to greener environmental goals.
Creating a better school run for all with Broxap
By improving safety, comfort, and convenience, the right street furniture help to create a more welcoming environment around schools. Parents, children, and school staff all benefit from the improved experience.
- Safer streets: Bollards help control traffic, making streets safer for children to walk or cycle to school.
- Comfortable waiting areas: Canopies provide shelter from the rain and sun, making the school run more pleasant, whatever the weather.
- Active travel: Cycle parking encourages more families to cycle to school, reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Schools, local authorities, and communities can work together to implement these changes, creating safer and more sustainable environments for children. With the right street furniture in place, the school run can be transformed into a smoother, healthier, and more enjoyable part of the day.
If you’ve been inspired but lack the funding your school requires, why not take a look at our FREE funding guide? Inside you’ll find a range of grants and funding streams available for schools to apply and improve their infrastructure.
Alternatively, call us on 01782 564411 to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable team who will be more than happy to assist you.