Sustrans has launched an air quality project, promoting walking and cycling for the work commute, school run and leisure journeys in Fareham and Gosport.
We're running cycle training sessions as part of the air quality project
Working in partnership with the MyJourney team, we will be running a series of exciting activities and events alongside practical information sessions in workplaces and schools across the area.
The project really took off at the end of 2019, when we ran Be Bright Be Seen assemblies and high visibility kit sales at Bedenham and Holbrook Primary schools, raising money to go towards children’s bike helmets for the schools.
The reception classes at Bedenham and Holbrook schools have taken part in ‘ditch the stabilisers’ training. Rowner Junior School Council enjoyed a guided walk, getting them thinking about what makes a pleasant school journey and the barriers to them travelling actively to school. And in January, Dr Bike will be visiting the school to get bikes ready to ride into spring.
We are also running staff surveys at workplaces in the area to look at barriers to active travel, and holding travel planning and the ever-popular Dr Bike sessions. Personalised travel planning information stalls will be taking place over the next few months.
Sophie Cardinal, Sustrans’ Cycling Officer in the area, said: “Across the UK, 1 in 3 people regularly use a car for short journeys that could be completed on foot or by public transport.
“This contributes to busy traffic and to nitrogen dioxide and CO2 build up around busy areas, such as schools and workplaces. By working with people across Fareham and Gosport to consider the way they travel to school and work, and to overcome barriers to active travel, we hope to be able to make a positive impact on these issues.
“We’re on the lookout for volunteers to help run bike clubs at the school, so if anyone’s interested please get in touch.”
There are two Air Quality Management Areas identified by Fareham Borough Council: Portland Street and Gosport Road. The World Health Organisation lists air pollution as one of the top ten threats to global health in 2019.
