Junior Travel Ambassadors
A School Travel Ambassador (STA) plays a crucial role in promoting safe, sustainable, and active travel for students commuting to and from school.
The STA program encourages students, parents, and school staff to adopt safer and more eco-friendly modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, rather than relying on cars.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Promote Road Safety: The STA educates the school community about road safety, ensuring that students understand the importance of using safe crossings zones, following traffic signals, and being aware of potential dangers when traveling by foot or bike.
- Encourage Active Travel: One of the core objectives of the STA is to promote active travel—such as walking or cycling to help reduce traffic congestion around schools, minimise the environmental impact, and improve students' physical health. They encourage students to make walking or cycling part of their daily routines through a range of initiatives.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: By advocating for less reliance on private cars, STAs contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with school travel. They work with local authorities to highlight the environmental benefits of public transportation, carpooling, and other green travel options, helping to reduce air pollution and energy consumption.
- Competitions and Events: STAs organise events, challenges, and campaigns that engage the entire school community. These events often include rewards for students who participate in activities like walking, biking, or using public transport. The goal is to make safe and sustainable travel enjoyable and rewarding, fostering a positive attitude toward these choices.
- Monitor and Collect Data:b> STAs often gather data on how students travel to school, such as travel surveys. This information is used to identify problem areas, such as traffic congestion or unsafe routes, and to measure the effectiveness of the initiatives they promote.