It appears the majority of parents and staff at Arthur Hatton Elementary School in Kamloops are in favour of seeing the Safer School Streets program return.

That’s the program that saw temporary vehicle restrictions on Schubert Drive and on Chestnut Avenue during pick up and drop off times at Arthur Hatton as a way to try and encourage people to walk or bike their kids to school.

The City says 61 per cent of parents and 70 per cent of staff who were surveyed after the two-week pilot were supportive of the initiative continuing at Arthur Hatton Elementary in the future.

It also found that 54 per cent of parents and 60 per cent of staff felt safer during pickup and drop-off on Schubert Drive and Chestnut Avenue.

“Throughout the pilot program, students and families enjoyed walking, riding, and rolling to class,” a statement from the City said. “The intent of this initiative was to improve safety, encourage active modes of travel, reduce traffic congestion and emissions, and offer much-needed space to play. Similar programs typically begin with a pilot program and develop into seasonal or permanent opportunities.”

“The results of hands-up surveys showed that significantly more students chose to use active transportation modes during the pilot program. Importantly, students continued to use active transportation modes even after the pilot program concluded.”

You can find the entire Safer School Streets report – including a list of recommendations for future initiatives – here.