School Zones have taken the City by storm with brightly coloured pedestrian friendly spaces popping up outside schools. Francis Street CBS marked the launch of the first of a series of  School Zones, followed by the same #SafetoSchool infrastructure being developed outside Central Model School. Dublin City Council along with many other Local Authorities have received a huge expression of interest from schools nationwide who wish to improve the safety of students outside their school and facilitate active travel to school. If you want to learn more about how you can implement School Zones at your school or even develop your own creative measures to upgrade active travel infrastructure review our Safe to School ideas document.

Central Model School is the latest school to enjoy the benefits of the new School Zone infrastructure. Check out the video where students share their thoughts on their new pedestrian friendly space! They report feel safer, are seeing less cars outside their school and have noticed more people walking and cycling to school. Success! The students also really enjoyed being able to contribute to moving this great initiative forward and being involved in the walkability audit process as well as proposing ideas for improved safe access to school.

On speaking about the launch of the School Zone at Central Model School, Green-Schools Cycling Development Officer, Allison Phillips said:

Central Model School is a brilliant example of a school empowering students to make observations of their environment and come up with proactive solutions to issues raised. Working with the Senior School was a delight as all the committee members were excited and passionate about making positive changes at their school and for the wider community. The coordinator, Sinéad Crosson, is a wonderful to support to the students on the committee. Sinéad gives the students the time, guidance and freedom to creatively develop solutions for Central Model Senior School. Seeing the school and the students take ownership over their new School Zone implemented through Green-Schools and Dublin City Council is truly inspiring. The students feel safer, healthier, and have a fun and energetic space out front their school gate with fewer cars and no idling at the school gate. The students feel that this School Zone has really benefitted everyone at the school and are delighted to be a part of something so powerful. As a Travel Officer, I couldn’t be happier for this school and this committee for all the work they have done and the rewards they have reaped. These young change makers are going to leave their mark on Central Model School and provide a great example to other students looking to make a change.