Safer Streets program closing roads around North Shore school

KAMLOOPS– The City of Kamloops and Arthur Hatton Elementary are teaming up for a pilot program with the goal of getting children to safely walk, peddle or roll their way to school.

For the next two weeks, Schubert Drive from Holly Avenue to Oak Road and Chestnut Avenue from Schubert Drive to the Fortune Drive Frontage Road will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on school days.

“Kids can safely walk to school without worrying about cars, making the school area more safer,” said Purvez Irani, Transportation manager for the City of Kamloops. “And using active transportation modes like walking and cycling, so that at a very young age you develop that understanding that there is an alternative to cars.”

Arthur Hatton students will be encouraged to participate with the chance of winning some active transportation prizes, including bikes and scooters.

“Arthur Hatton is really excited to be the school chosen because I really think this is a great area to encourage kids to walk to school. It’s flat and many kids live within walking distance,” said Arthur Hatton principal, Micheal Johnson. “And being healthy and walking is just so good for all kids.”

The pilot program ends June 9. If it is successful, the City and School District will be looking at expanding the program to other schools.