School Travel Plan

Walking to School

Walking to school is a healthy, eco-friendly, and stress-free way to start the day. It helps reduce traffic around the academy, keeps our local community safe, and gives you a chance to chat with friends before and after school.

Top Safety Tips for Walking to School

• Stick to safe routes: Always use footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and safe walking routes where possible.

• Be alert near roads: Avoid distractions like using your phone or listening to loud music when crossing roads.

• Use crossings properly: Stop, look, and listen before crossing. Only cross when it’s safe to do so, and never run across the road.

• Walk with friends: If possible, walk to school with friends or classmates. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s more fun too!

• Be seen in the dark: In winter or poor weather, wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see you clearly.

• Watch for driveways and parked cars: Be extra cautious when walking past driveways or crossing between parked vehicles.

• Stay on the pavement: Keep to the pavement at all times. If there’s no pavement, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

• Avoid shortcuts through unsafe areas: Stick to well-lit streets and avoid alleys or areas that are quiet and hidden.

When You Arrive at School

• Enter the school grounds carefully, being mindful of cars and other students arriving.

• If you are walking with a parent or carer, say your goodbyes quickly to keep pathways clear for others.

• Follow staff instructions at the gates to help keep everyone safe and the area running smoothly.

Bike or Scooter

Travelling to school by bike or scooter is a great way to stay healthy, reduce your carbon footprint, and avoid busy traffic. It’s also a fun and sustainable way to get to school, but it’s important to stay safe while on the roads.

Top Safety Tips for Cycling and Scooting

• Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect yourself.

• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in the winter or when it’s dark.

• Check your equipment: Make sure your bike or scooter is in good condition, with working brakes and tyres fully inflated.

• Stick to safe routes: Use cycle paths or quieter roads wherever possible.

• Follow the rules of the road: Stop at traffic lights, look both ways at junctions, and always signal before turning.

• Watch out for cars near the school: Slow down and be extra careful when near parked cars, driveways, or busy entrances.

• Walk, don’t ride, on school grounds: Please get off your bike or scooter and walk it once you reach the school gates to keep everyone safe.

Bike and Scooter Storage at Queensbury Academy

We have two large bike sheds available for students:

• West Bike Shed: Located near the West Entrance – convenient for students arriving from the West gates.

• East Bike Shed: Located near the Central Gates – easy access for those entering from Langdale Road.

Tip: Always bring a sturdy bike lock and make sure your bike or scooter is securely locked while at school.

The Bikeability Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with the vision to ensure everyone has the confidence to cycle and enjoy this skill for life. The Trust manages, develops and promotes the Bikeability programme on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Cycle Training for Everyone - Deliver Safer Training | BikeabilityBikeability for adults and teenagers

Advice for Dropping Off and Picking Up Your Child

To keep our school community safe and to reduce congestion around Queensbury Academy, we kindly ask all parents and carers to follow the guidance below when dropping off or picking up their child:

• Avoid parking on pavements: Please do not stop or park on the pavement, as this blocks pathways and makes it difficult and unsafe for pedestrians, especially children, wheelchair users, and families with pushchairs.

• Do not block driveways: Be considerate of our neighbours by ensuring that you do not park in front of local residents’ driveways.

• Use surrounding side roads where possible: To ease congestion outside the school, please drop your child off on a nearby side road and allow them to walk a short distance to the academy.

• Please avoid using the East Staff Car Park for general drop-offs or pick-ups. This car park is for staff only and must remain clear for safety and emergency access.

Parking Guidance for Parents

Visiting for a Pre-Planned Meeting:

• If you are attending a pre-arranged meeting at the school, please enter via the central gates on Langdale Road and use the intercom system to speak to our receptionist.

• You may park in the East Car Park for meetings, but you must walk to the central gates via the footpath and report to reception using the intercom before entering the site.

Car Sharing

• We encourage parents to consider car sharing by connecting with friends or other families in their network.

Liftshare Bedfordshire

For parents and carers driving to work, please explore the Liftshare app, provided by Bedfordshire Council, which offers options for adults looking to share journeys. Join others in Bedfordshire, saving money and the planet by carpooling. Halve your journey cost and make new friends on the way!

Liftshare is free to use | Find both drivers and passengers to share with!

Liftshare in Bedfordshire

Why Use the Bus?

Using the bus to travel to Queensbury Academy is a great option: it reduces traffic and pollution around the school, cuts down the stress of parking, and offers a reliable, cost-effective way for many families.

Bus Stops Near Queenbury Academy, Dunstable

There are several convenient bus stops close to Queenbury Academy, including:

• Queensbury Academy (opposite / outside) on Langdale Road. This stop is right by the school. Serviced by routes such as the 34 and 40/40A lines.

• Langdale Road Shops is just a few minutes’ walk away. Also served by the same or similar bus routes.

• Cemetery Lane – another nearby option for families travelling from surrounding areas.

• Meadway – providing further connections to local bus routes.

Click here | Bus Map and times to Queensbury Academy Dunstable 

These stops give families options depending on where they live, and planners can check schedules to see which route best matches their timings.