Safer cycling and walking to Nairn Academy promoted by Highland Council

Funding for a Safer Routes to School project in Nairn has been approved The Highland Council’s Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee.

Members have approved a project application for the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme totalling an estimated £20,000 for Nairn Academy.
The aim of the project is to encourage pupils and parents to cycle to school in line with the School’s active travel policy. The funding will be used to provide covered cycle storage for 30 bikes within the school grounds.

Leader of the Nairn and Badenoch and Strathpsey Area, Councillor Liz MacDonald said: “The Council’s Road Safety Unit is working with schools to come up with ideas on how they can create safer travel to school while reducing the local carbon footprint. The idea is to shift people out of their cars, to leave vehicles at home and to get more folks walking and cycling.

“The Safer Routes to Schools Projects under the Scottish Government’s Cycling Walking and Safer Streets Programme aim to improve child safety and save lives by encouraging sustainable and active travel.  This clearly aligns with the Council’s commitment to have a low Carbon Highlands by 2025.”

Nairn Academy Head Teacher, Julie MacDonald welcomed the funding, she said: “We are delighted to receive this financial support. The funding will allow us to continue to promote safer routes to school.  We have many pupils and staff who cycle to school and we are keen to increase the numbers. 

“Increased cycling will also help to reduce the traffic congestion on Duncan Drive which is an issue for the school and local residents. The funding will contribute towards secure storage for bikes.  With increased community use of the school facilities, the cycle storage will also be available to those who access the school at the end of the day or for clubs at the weekend.  We will work with pupils to consider the best options for the cycle storage.”