Crafty youngsters from across the Island have been decorating their school bags with something bright to make sure they are seen and safe during the darker winter months.
Brighten Your Bag encourages pupils to consider how they are seen while travelling — and teaches them how to make themselves more visible to other road users.
Pupils are invited to get crafty and decorate their school bag with fluorescent and reflective materials.
Campbell: An important life skill for children to learn
Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, said,
“Road Safety is an important life skill for children to learn, and fun activities such as Brighten Your Bag are a great way to engage them with road safety education.
“This scheme helps children to understand why being visible helps them stay safer, particularly during the winter months when daylight hours are reduced. A huge thank you to all schools that took part, and congratulations to each school’s winner.”
Primary schools seeking to deliver road safety education for their pupils can sign-up to the council’s Junior Travel Ambassador scheme, providing them with the tools and resources to deliver an annual programme of road safety and sustainable travel themed activities.
Schools taking part can achieve Bronze level Modeshift STARS accreditation too.
Lucioni: We all have a part to play
Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for public safety, said,
“Being safe and seen is not just for children either. Adult pedestrians, cyclists, horse-riders and motorcyclists should ensure they’re visible to other road users by wearing bright, reflective clothing and accessories.
“Same goes for those renting Beryl e-bikes and e-scooters. Drivers should also be vigilant and aware of these vulnerable road users that share the road with them. We all have a part to play; be a positive role model within our communities and help keep each other safe.”
Austin: Children will be safer when walking to and from school
Jack Austin, Junior Travel Ambassador coordinator at Haylands Primary School, Ryde, said,
“We have joined the Junior Travel Ambassador scheme as we believe it is important to teach children about how to be safe when outside.
“Taking part in fun activities and having assemblies led by pupils from year 6 helps children to learn about road safety in different ways. By doing this, children will be safer when walking to and from school.”
Schools wishing to find out more about the scheme, or how to get involved, can contact Lewis at: [email protected]
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
