Bolton pupils’ journeys to school get a safety boost

UK News Desk 2026-10-21 09:47 2 min read

Close-up of a classic yellow British road sign warning drivers of schoolchildren crossing.

Children at Kearsley West Primary School can take part in cycling lessons and help identify improvements to streets around their school as it encourages safer, more active journeys. The Bolton school has become the first in the area to receive Modeshift STAR accreditation for promoting walking, cycling and wheeling.

Cycling lessons and pupil street assessments

The school introduced Level One and Level Two Bikeability classes, teaching children practical cycling skills and how to understand the road so they can cycle confidently and safely.

Pupils also took part in an Active Travel Inspection, assessing nearby streets and routes and sharing what they liked and where they thought things could improve. Their observations went to the school and Bolton Council to inform possible neighbourhood improvements.

School Streets limit traffic at busy times

Kearsley West is one of four primary schools to introduce Bolton’s first School Streets projects this year. On school days, access to some nearby streets is controlled at drop-off and pick-up times, reducing the number of cars on those roads and making it easier for families to walk, cycle or wheel.

Bolton Council says recent surveys found feedback on the schemes was overwhelmingly positive, with respondents citing safer journeys for children, less congestion and easier road crossings. The council also says almost three-quarters of road accidents involving children happen in the morning and afternoon.

Modeshift, a national not-for-profit organisation, awards the STAR accreditation to recognise work encouraging active and sustainable travel. Headteacher Jackie Fitton accepted the award from Bolton Mayor Mohammed Iqbal, alongside local councillors and council representatives.

Source: Bolton Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source and checks

This report uses Bolton Council’s account of the school’s accreditation, travel projects and award presentation.

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Checked the school name and accreditation against the supplied council report.
Checked the stated Bikeability classes and pupil street assessment details.
Checked the School Streets description and survey findings as attributed to Bolton Council...

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