The two-week Safer School Streets pilot project at Arthur Hatton Elementary School wrapped up on Friday, June 9 with celebrations and smiling faces.

Throughout the initiative, students and families have enjoyed walking, riding, and rolling to class through a temporary, car-free area around the school in an effort to improve safety, encourage active modes of travel, reduce traffic congestion and emissions, and offer much-needed space to play.

And play they did – Students, parents, and staff participated in street hockey, hopscotch, and other games along Schubert Drive to celebrate the initiative. There were also chances to win prizes thanks to celebration stations hosted through GoByBike Week. The initial success of the project has been attributed to the neighbourhood and school community’s support, efforts of ATS Traffic control personnel, and extensive collaboration between the City of Kamloops, School District No. 73 (Kamloops-Thompson), and other supporters.

Feedback, traffic monitoring results, and other key data will be compiled following the pilot to determine the project’s impact on residents and consideration for possible of expansion.