In partnership with School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson) and Interior Health, the City of Kamloops has released a report on the impact of the Safer School Streets pilot program that took place in spring 2023.
Through extensive collaboration, the city's first ever Safer School Streets pilot program was delivered at Arthur Hatton Elementary over a two-week period in May 2023. The pilot program involved a temporary, car-free perimeter around the school during drop-off and pickup times.
Throughout the pilot program, students and families enjoyed walking, riding, and rolling to class. The intent of this initiative was to improve safety, encourage active modes of travel, reduce traffic congestion and emissions, and offer much-needed space to play. Similar programs typically begin with a pilot program and develop into seasonal or permanent opportunities.
Staff, students, and families were provided various opportunities to provide feedback throughout the pilot program. Survey results showed that the majority of parents and staff perceived an increase in safety within the closure areas along Schubert Drive and Chestnut Avenue during the pilot program.
Of those surveyed, 61% of parents and 70% of staff said that they support continuing the Safer School Streets program at Arthur Hatton Elementary School in the future. The results of hands-up surveys showed that significantly more students chose to use active transportation modes during the pilot program. Importantly, students continued to use active transportation modes even after the pilot program concluded.
The report also lists the lessons learned, which include the need for significant community support, school administrative involvement, staff support, and City-facilitated road closures.
Safer School Streets originated in Italy in the 1990s and has since been implemented globally. Cities across Canada, including Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Winnipeg, Hamilton, and Kingston, have implemented Safer School Streets programs.
Click here for more information and to read the Safer School Streets report.
