the 07/24/2008

Schools to dump Yummy Mummy SUVs for bicycles

Schools to dump Yummy Mummy SUVs for bicycles

SUV's lined up at the school gates look set to be a thing of thepast now that a new cycling programme has been introduced to dozensof schools in the Greater Dublin Area.

The schools are participating in a pilot project to get the GreenFlag for travel.

This project has been so successful in the capital and surroundingcounties that it is going to be rolled out nationwide thisSeptember.

The initiative which is run by An Taisce was given funding by theDublin Transportation Authority to build cycle parking facilitiesin 17 schools in the area.

The schools were chosen because of their efforts to participate inthe Green Schools Travel programme.

Education Officer with An Taisce Ally Menary said schools wereconsidered for cycle parking when they "have demonstratedexcellence in walking and cycling in the schools."

The tender has gone out for the construction of the toaster rackstyle bike stands and shelters and they are expected to be built byOctober.

"This is the first time we've done a tender because we've a lotmore money to put into it," said Mr Menary.

Extended

Last year St Clare's Primary School in Harold's Cross and NaomhMaelruan in Tallaght got bike parking spaces but this year fundinghas meant the project has been extended to more schools.

Fifty schools have been involved in the Green Schools Travel pilotover the last three years in the Greater Dublin Area. Between 2005and 2007, 29 schools were part of the initial two year project and24 of these were successful in achieving their Green Flags fortravel.

"Due to the success of that we receive money to work with another21 schools," said Mr Menary.

- Sarah Neville