Step Up

Step Up is a project aimed at Year 6 students, who are getting ready to move up to secondary school. It is a time when children often want to start travelling to school on their own or with friends and this resource is here to provide useful information on how to get to school safely.

Whether that is by walking, cycling or using public transport, there is plenty of advice here to help;

• Road Safety Advice
• Travel Planning and apps available to help
• Transport Options
• Behaving responsibly and courteously
• Website links for further information

We have recently re-designed the Step Up resource (originally brought out in 2015) making it more user friendly for students. The new design is a credit card sized resource, to keep in their wallet or bag, for easy access to key Road Safety and Personal Safety advice.

All Year 6 students in Sussex will receive this resource, however if for any reason you would like to request further copies, please contact us or download it here for free.

Travel Checklist

Before you travel, always check that you have your keys, your mobile phone is charged, and that you have emergency money (or a prepaid card), as well as any relevant bus or train passes that you need. Plan your journey and think about the route you are going to take. Be prepared to let people know your plans. It is also really useful to have something bright or reflective on your bag or clothing to make you more visible to other road users. Remember to add an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact number in your mobile phone to be contacted in an emergency.

Walking & Crossing Roads

Plan your route. Take careful consideration when doing this. Remember it’s not always about taking the quickest route. you always take the safest route.

Try not to cross between parked cars. If you do, please be extra cautious and move into the road slowly.

Further info can be found on the Think website.

The Green Cross Code

1. Find a safe place to cross
2. Stop just before you get to the kerb
3. Look all around for traffic and listen
4. If traffic is coming let it pass
5. When it is safe, go straight across the road – do not run, keep looking and listening while you cross.

Visit the Think website for the Do you stop look listen? lesson plan.

Also ROSPA have created a Pedestrian Training leaflet.

Distractions

Being distracted when crossing the road is dangerous!

Distractions such as;

• Using a mobile phone
• Listening to music
• Hoods that cover your ears and limit your ability to see using your peripheral vision
• Talking with friends

So what are the benefits of walking?

• It doesn’t cost you anything
• You get to walk with your mates to school
• You see things you wouldn’t see if you were in a car
• You will be fitter and healthier
• Regular walking can improve you mood!
• Walking is a great form of exercise which can help you concentrate and learn!

Cycling

Cycling is a really great way to get around, it gives you freedom, independence and lots of exercise.

• Book yourself onto a Bikeability cycle training course and become a confident and safer cyclist
• Ensure you do a simple ABC bike check every time you ride
• Protect your bike and get it marked by the police www.bikeregister.com
• Ensure that you wear a correctly fitted helmet and suitable clothing
• Use a good quality bike lock or two to help prevent theft
• Try and leave your bike in view of CCTV cameras for extra peace of mind
• Encourage your friends to cycle with you
• It is against the law to cycle through red light traffic lights and if caught doing this you may be fined £30
• Use lights at night IT IS THE LAW

What is Bikeability?

Bikeability is today’s cycle training programme. It’s like cycling proficiency, but better! It’s about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today’s roads. Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.

There are three Bikeability levels, each designed to improve cycling skills no matter what is known already. Levels 1, 2 and 3 take trainees from the basics of balance and control, all the way to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.

• Level 1
  At Level 1 new riders learn to control and master their bikes in a space away from traffic such as a playground or closed car park. Trainees will usually be trained in a group of 3-12, though individual training may also be available.
• Level 2
  Level 2 takes place on local streets, giving trainees a real cycling experience. Trainees learn how to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school or the local shops. Trainees are usually trained in small groups – up to 6 trainees per instructor – though individual training may also be available.
• Level 3
  Level 3 equips trainees with skills for more challenging roads and traffic situations – busier streets, queuing traffic, complex junctions and roundabouts. It also includes planning routes for safe cycling. Level 3 training is delivered one-to-one or in groups of up to 3 so can be tailored to a trainee’s individual needs, such as a route to work or school.

Bikeability trained cyclists receive a badge and a certificate in recognition of the level they have achieved. The certificate also includes areas for further practice noted by the instructor.

Visit the Bikeability website for more information.

Buses and Trains

How to use bus/train

• Plan your journey in advance and let people know your plans
• Always have a back-up route planned
• Check that you’ve got money or pre-paid tickets and any discount card with you before starting your journey
• Public Transport can help you, your friends and your family travel independently
• On a bus you can ask the bus driver for help if you need it
• On a train you can ask the conductor for help
• Practise your route to school during the holidays if you can
• Go online to plan your journey and use twitter or facebook to get daily updates

Download our quiz

• What type of public transport user are you?

Travelling by Car

• Always wear a seat belt It is the law!
• In the UK children must use the correct childseat until they are 12 or 135cms / 4ft 5″ in height whichever is first
• Do not block the driver’s view in the mirror
• Do not throw things out of the window, lean out or touch the door handle while the car is moving
• Doors should only be opened if safe to do so
• Safely use the door on the pavement side ​when getting in or out of the car

How to make a reverse call

Dial – 08000 686323 or 08000 mumdad

The Route Guard App

This app can give parents or guardians peace of mind if you are travelling to and from school on your own or with friends. It sends them your location details. The app is free to all schools in Sussex. Ask your school for the code to use it and visit www.routeguard.co.uk.