New additions mean over 50 school walking maps in Southwark

17 October 2023

To encourage more children and families to walk, cycle and scoot to school, Southwark Council has produced 25 new walking maps showing walking routes ten and 15 minutes away from local schools.

In 2022, 27 walking maps were shared with schools and parents. They proved very popular so a further 25 have been created and are being sent to local schools during October, International Walk to School month. The waterproof maps will be displayed at a prominent place either inside or outside the schools.

The first of the new walking maps was delivered to Rotherhithe Primary School which has been working closely with the council’s sustainable travel team and has just been awarded gold accreditation in the Transport for London STARS (Safety and Citizenship and TravelSmart) scheme. This inspires young Londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling.

Pupils and parents at the school are delighted with the new maps. Hal Phillips walks with his mum every morning: “I like walking to school as a family as it gives us a nice chance to connect. We really like doing things like spotting nature. And it’s a quick way of getting to school without using a car.”

His mum, Dominique said: “We get to have a good chat, we enjoy walking through the park. It’s a nice way to start and finish the day.”

Geovani Goncalves cycles with his son, Leo: “We live about a mile from here. We take a route through the park sometimes, which is nice. The maps are helpful as they guide us to the best routes.”

Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, Clean Air and Streets, said: “Through Streets for People we are working to improve the air we breathe in Southwark. We want to encourage more children and families to walk and cycle to and from school so we are investing in making it easier and safer. We have 28 School Streets schemes in place across the borough; these timed closures reduce congestion and air pollution outside schools, encouraging parents and pupils to walk, cycle, scoot or use other greener ways to travel. We aim to get at least three new schools signed up each year.”

The council is also improving access around schools, with wider pavements and improved paving benefiting people with prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs. In addition, 140 new pedestrian crossings have been put in over the last five years to make walking safer, with plans to install around 25 more before April 2024.

Page last updated: 25 October 2023