Modeshift travel planning
We've been working with Modeshift since 2023, providing free travel planning for schools and to support them towards the Modeshift STARS national accreditation scheme. This scheme rewards schools across the UK for their work to promote sustainable travel by creating a travel plan that encourages students, staff and parents to adopt greener, healthier and safer ways to travel to and from school.
What's a school travel plan?
A school travel plan is a strategic document which promotes safe and sustainable travel to students, staff and parents/carers. The plan outlines activities and initiatives to reduce car use, encourage walking and cycling, and improve the environment outside of schools.
Benefits of Modeshift STARS
Schools across Shropshire are encouraged to join the Modeshift STARS scheme. Participating will improve:
- Environmental impact: reduces the carbon footprint by encouraging school communities to walk, cycle, and the use of public transport
- Health and wellbeing: promotes physical activity among students, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved mental wellbeing
- Road safety: enhances road safety by reducing traffic congestion and improving safety awareness
- School community: strengthens the school community by involving students, parents, and staff in collective efforts to improve travel habits
How does it work?
- Registration: schools in Shropshire can contact the Sustainable Travel Team to begin the process
- Planning: schools conduct a survey to understand current travel habits and identify key issues. Based on the results, they develop an action plan tailored to their needs
- Implementation: schools implement a series of activities and initiatives, such as walk-to-school campaigns, cycle training, and car-free days with the support of their dedicated sustainable travel officer
- Monitoring and evaluation: schools monitor their progress by repeating surveys and collecting data on the impact of their initiatives
- Accreditation: based on their achievements, schools can apply for accreditation at bronze, silver or gold level
Contact the Sustainable Travel Team to find out more and to begin the process. Using the templates the Sustainable Travel Team have created, schools provide key information and identify active travel initiatives for their school to engage in.
The Sustainable Travel Team then supports schools to use Modeshift to capture the information, create a travel plan and achieve accreditation.
Or to find out more about the levels of accreditation and to see case studies of school initiatives visit Modeshift STARS Education - Delivery of Effective Travel Plans.