Santa Cruz is set to implement secure routes to schools, promoting sustainable travel for pupils, following the city council’s commitment to the Stars Project by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion around educational institutions, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times, and to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, creating a more child-friendly environment, as stated by the Councillor for Mobility, Evelyn Alonso (CC), at the launch of the inaugural School Mobility Forum.
The councillor remarked, “This initiative aims to reduce the number of cars on the roads during school runs. We will establish safe school routes, which will require cooperation from schools, the education community, and local associations, with support from the Local Police, to achieve our goals.”
While the intention is for all municipal educational establishments to participate in the initiative, at present, it will be implemented at CEIP Rambla and IES Andrés Bello, Las Veredillas, and María Rosa Alonso. Following a study of mobility and safety, an initial phase will involve widening sidewalks to create designated drop-off zones for families. Subsequently, staff members, volunteers, and community members will assist children as they enter the premises or help them navigate pedestrian crossings.
This initiative, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year, aims to encourage children to travel to school by bicycle or scooter. However, “it is essential to assess these safe routes to motivate families to get involved,” Alonso explained. The study is anticipated to be completed by mid-May, with proposals to be developed in June.
Meanwhile, Pablo González de la Aleja, the Provincial Head of the DGT Traffic Headquarters, stated yesterday that “the project seeks to promote sustainable, healthy, and secure mobility for schoolchildren towards their educational centres. We have initiated efforts in Santa Cruz, although Tegueste and La Laguna already have these routes in place.” The mobility department has allocated a grant of €12,840 to Road Cronotropo for developing cycling courses at the four mentioned centres, alongside another grant of €15,350 for local forums in the Tegueste rural area.
