What is a School Street?

A School Street is a street that is temporarily closed to (incoming) motorised traffic at the beginning and end of the school day during drop-off and pick-up times. The street remains accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services. Those who nevertheless come by car can park a little further away and walk the final stretch to school. The temporary closure consists of a barrier or bollards. A School Street is an excellent way to make the school environment more activity-friendly, safer, more pleasant and healthier.

The two major advantages of a temporary School Street

  • A temporary School Street does not require any changes to rules or legislation, such as a traffic order. This means that you can establish a temporary School Street much more quickly than a permanent School Street. Of course, even for a three-month trial period, you still need permission from the municipality.
  • A temporary School Street gives all parties involved (the school, parents, pupils, municipality and local residents) the opportunity to gain experience with a different situation first and to identify and resolve any bottlenecks.

According to Fietsersbond and Wandelnet, a temporary School Street is a good first step towards lasting behavioural change in the form of walking and cycling to school more often. If the trial period is successful, the municipality and school can decide to work towards permanently introducing the School Street.

Contents of the guide

With the Guide to establishing a School Street, you have everything you need to establish a temporary School Street within a few months for a three-month trial period.

After reading it, you will know:

  • What results you can expect.
  • Which groups/people you should involve in the trial.
  • Which schools are suitable.
  • What the experiences are of schools and municipalities that are already working with School Streets.
  • Which six steps you need to take to establish a temporary School Street that encourages more daily physical activity.
  • What your action plan should contain.