The Bridgwater Active Travel Day returns to the Town Hall on Saturday May 20th. The family-friendly event will feature a whole host of groups who will be there to help inform the public about the benefits of all things active travel. The day will include an introduction by the Town Mayor; local walking and cycling information; local public transport and bike maintanance and security marking. It&#39;s free to attend, and all the family are welcome. The day starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1681285284/projects/somersetsustainabletransport/73015aaa-4ad5-45d8-8ebb-05f717377eb1.jpg" />

Bridgwater Active Travel Day, Saturday May 20th

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An innovative physical activity game that has engaged more than a million people is set to launch in Shepton Mallet and Wells. The Beat the Street game will take place in Shepton Mallet and Wells from 26th April to 24th May 2023 thanks to a National Lottery grant from Sport England. Beat the Street encourages people to get outside and to get active and is open to anyone of any age who would like to take part. The game works by turning the town into a real-life game and residents will soon start to see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around the area. Prior to the game, primary school pupils from participating schools will be provided with cards while parents and teachers will also receive a card from the school so they can accompany children. The wider community can pick up a free contactless card from a distribution point listed on the website www.beatthestreet.me/sheptonwells Players join a school or community team to join or you can set up your own with a minimum of 6 players. Players then walk, cycle or wheel between the 38 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart - hovering the cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score. Beat the Street was created by GP Dr William Bird MBE, an expert in physical activity and the founder of Intelligent Health. Beat the Street has not only had a significant impact on increasing low levels of physical activity amongst adults and children, but also helps reduce congestion, improves air quality, and helps families spend time in green spaces together. It has been adapted to ensure that it’s safe to play during the COVID-19 pandemic with contactless cards. Jake Hannis, Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership Deputy CEO said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Shepton Mallet &amp;amp; Wells. We know that one of the best things people can do right now for their physical and mental health is to move more and to get out into green space where possible, and Beat the Street really helps people do just that in a safe way. “It’s free to take part in Beat the Street and it’s open to everyone regardless of age, ability or background. It’s an inclusive game that encourages you to exercise from your front door and to clock up the miles within the game framework.” According to research, one in four people in England does less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, which classes them as inactive. Four out of five primary school children do not get the recommended amount of daily exercise of 60 minutes a day. The National Lottery funding from Sport England will not only help people in Shepton Mallet and Wells to get active, but also to leave a positive legacy to improve the community’s health and wellbeing. For more information on updates on the game, please click onto www.beatthestreet.me/sheptonwells or follow @BeatTheStreetSheptonWells on Facebook. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1680272114/projects/somersetsustainabletransport/fec8e6fd-2f64-439c-b9e0-d3c82931c368.jpg" />

Beat the Streets comes to Shepton Mallet and Wells

Somerset County Council has launched a survey to capture the views of young people across the county on the future of transport. The survey was complied with the help of the Somerset Youth Parliament and their deputies who belong to the UK-wide group representing the voices of young people. The survey gives young people in the county the chance to have a say on how they want transport to work in the future. Their views will help inform policy, shape sustainable transport solutions and in turn help to combat climate change and improve health. Jasmine, one of Somerset’s Members of the Youth Parliament said: “Public transport is a particular issue for young people in Somerset as we have so many rural communities.” Joel, another Member, said: “We’d encourage all young people to have your say about any issues that affect young people in Somerset. The Somerset Youth Parliament is a great foundation to do this.” Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Young People, Children and Families, Cllr Tessa Munt said: “Young people have got a lot to say on this issue – not least because it’s their future we’re talking about! We really value our Youth Parliament members. They do fantastic work to give young people a platform and allow their voices to be heard on the things which matter to them.” Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital added: “We need to be listening to young people when it comes to planning what transport will look like in the future, so it’s vital that we capture their views. I’d urge young people across the county to take part in the survey and have a good look at our Commonplace website – it’s helping us to shape our transport networks to ensure their priorities are included.” You can take part in the survey and comment on Somerset’s Local Cycling and Walking Plans here: <a href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/somerset-youth-voice-survey/step1">https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/somerset-youth-voice-survey/step1</a> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1679572793/projects/somersetsustainabletransport/dd5b34c3-d395-4e83-b502-8e49d7ad8697.png" />

Young people urged to have their say on Somerset’s transport future

Welcome to Somerset Sustainable Transport, bringing together active travel and sustainable transport proposals from across the County. This is where we'll post information on new and developing schemes and give you the opportunity to have your say.

Somerset Sustainable Transport

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Slinky is a door to door demand response transport service funded by Somerset County Council. 

Slinky logo

Slinky Services - Demand Response Transport

Slinky Services

Slinky is a door to door demand responsive transport service funded by Somerset County Council for people not served by or unable to access conventional transport. All the vehicles are accessible.The service can be used for various purposes including; getting to local health appointments or exercise classes, visiting friends or family, going shopping or attending social events. You can also use the Slinky as a link to other forms of public transport.<h4 id="isPasted">Who can use the Slinky?</h4>You will be eligible to use the Slinky bus if you:Do not have access to a public bus service, Do not have your own transport; or Have a disability which means you are unable to access a public busThe service is available to all eligible passengers which could include parents with young children, teenagers, students, the elderly, the retired and people with disabilities.To find out more, and to register for the service, click here: <a href="https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/slinky-services-demand-responsive-transport/">https://www.travelsomerset.co.uk/slinky-services-demand-responsive-transport/</a>

Planning a journey in Somerset? Think Travel is a new one-stop travel information site to help more access public and community transport.

Think Travel

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1655368895/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/sdkrodbrlsjzg1my3tou.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Planning a journey in Somerset?&nbsp;A new one-stop travel information website has been launched by Somerset County Council to support more local people to access public and community transport. &nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not own a car - or you want to leave it at home and travel more sustainably, Think Travel can help you with your transport options. Whether it is getting to the doctors, shops, travelling to work, college, or school, or just into town to meet friends or family, the new travel planner shows you what is available. It covers public transport, community transport, the Slinky demand responsive transport service and car sharing.&nbsp;&nbsp;To start your search, all you need to do is enter your journey start point and destination in the planner and Think Travel will find the available options for you.&nbsp;As well as information on train and bus services, there is also a dedicated car sharing notice board you can sign up to, where offers or requests for car sharing journeys can be posted.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is also more information on the various transport services, public transport disruption news and a mapping tool to see what transport services are operating in your area.&nbsp;The aim is to grow this facility and encourage local car sharing networks to evolve.&nbsp;You can check out Think Travel using the link below:&nbsp;<a href="https://somerset.thinktravel.info/" target="_blank">https://somerset.thinktravel.info</a>&nbsp;

Have your say and find out more about School streets around Bruton Primary school.

Bruton Primary School Street

A proposed trial for Bruton Primary School

Over the past few years, Bruton Primary School has seen an increase in the number of complaints from local residents regarding parking issues, and complaints from parents/carers about the safety of children on and nearby the streets leading to school.&nbsp;As a result, Bruton Primary School has been highlighted as a potential school who could benefit from a School Street scheme. If the scheme was decided to go ahead, the trial period would start at the beginning of next academic year (September 2023).&nbsp;It would run for at least six months; with the hope that it would become permanent if the school and local community supported the scheme.&nbsp;How will the School Street run?To achieve a School Street for Bruton Primary School we are proposing to close Higher Backway from St Catherines Hill entrances and Higher Backway from the Pre School during drop off and pick up times&nbsp;(excluding school holidays and weekends).&nbsp;During the closure periods, stewards will be present to help enforce the scheme and to welcome families arriving at the School Street on foot, scooter or cycle. Closure times are suggested to be for 45 minutes on weekdays between 08:30-09.15 and 15.00-15.45, term time only.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1684500490/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/iqtase54cn9q8crnu6hh.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Map of the proposed school street" data-uw-rm-ima="ai">Source of image taken from <a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="http://www.openstreetmap.org" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.openstreetmap.org</a> accessed 04/05/2023**Red lines shown in the map are the suggested location of the temporary road closures. The green marked roads would be included in the closure points. Parking area outside the pre school would be accessible as a turning circle/parking.Please share your views with usBefore answering the following questions, please make sure you have read and understood the information provided about School Streets and the proposed trial.&nbsp;This initial consultation will help us to make an informed decision about the progression of the scheme, this initial consultation will last for 2 weeks from Friday 26th May until Friday 9th June

* Park and Stride means driving most of the journey but parking away from your destination (outside the proposed School Street Zone) and walking the last 5 minutes or more.&nbsp;

What is your view on the following statements during drop off and pick up times within the proposed School Street zone?&nbsp;**The Proposed School Street Zone includes: Higher Backway from St Catherines Hill entrances and up to the entrances to the car park for the pre school.

Have your say and find out more about School streets around Eastover Primary school.

Eastover Primary School Street

A proposed trail for Eastover Primary School

Over the past few years, Eastover School has seen an increase in the number of complaints from local residents regarding parking issues, complaints from parents/carers about the safety of children on and nearby the streets leading to school.&nbsp;As a result, Eastover School has been highlighted as a potential school who could benefit from a School Street and to become a pilot. If it was decided to go ahead, the trial would start in the late summer term or at the start of the new school year. It would run for at least six months; with the hope that it would become permanent if the school and local community supported this.&nbsp;How will the School Street run?To achieve a School Street for Eastover Primary School we are proposing to close Cornborough Street and Wellington Road (from Polden Street entrance and Devonshire Street entrance) during drop off and pick up times&nbsp;(excluding school holidays and weekends).&nbsp;During the closure periods, stewards will be present to help enforce this and to welcome families arriving at the School Street on foot, scooter or cycle. In order to help support this &lsquo;park and stride&rsquo; option we are working with the parking services to allow temporary parking for school users at Barclay Street car park without charge. There is also parking at Sainsbury Supermarket. Closure times will be for approximately 45 minutes around school drop off and pick up times.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1684497989/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/cgn7kugs9lmlaf9um2d6.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Map of proposed school street " data-uw-rm-ima-original="we are proposing to close cornborough street and wellington road (from polden street entrance and devonshire street entrance) during drop off and pick up times (excluding school holidays and weekends.">Source of image taken from <a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="http://www.openstreetmap.org/" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.openstreetmap.org/</a> accessed 11/05/2023**Red lines shown in the map are the suggested location of the temporary road closures. The green marked roads would be included in the closure points.Please share your views with usBefore answering the following questions, please make sure you have read and understood the information provided about School Streets and the proposed trial. This initial consultation will help us to make an informed decision about the progression of the scheme, this initial consultation will last for 2 weeks from Monday 5th June until Monday 19th June.*The Proposed School Street Zone includes: Cornborough Place and Wellington Road between Polden Street and Devonshire Street (as shown in the map above)

What is your view on the following statements during drop off and pick up times within the proposed School Street zone?&nbsp;*The Proposed School Street Zone includes: Cornborough Place and Wellington Road between Polden Street and Devonshire Street (as shown in the above map image)

School Streets are making Primary Schools in Somerset a safer and healthier place. Have your say on the scheme here.

Somerset School Streets

<h3>How does a School Street work?</h3>A specific street(s) or a section of the street around a participating school will temporarily restrict non-essential motor vehicle access at set times in the morning and afternoon. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the street during the operating times unless they are exempt (see below).Signs and barriers at the entrances to the scheme will inform drivers of the restriction.&nbsp;In many schemes stewards at the barriers will ask drivers to provide proof they are permitted to enter the street and will only allow authorised vehicles to enter e.g. residents, business owners etc. at walking speed.<h3>Is there a School Street near me?</h3><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1684925708/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/fzqdrqsmyr9yxdbmah5w.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w">At the moment this scheme is being proposed to be piloted in Somerset at the following schools. To have your say on these school streets or for some more information please select a school name:<a class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/bruton-primary-school-street/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bruton Primary School Street</a><a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl="" href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/edit/proposals/eastover-primary-school-street" id="isPasted">&nbsp;</a>-&nbsp;&nbsp;26th May &ndash; 9th June<a aria-label="Eastover Community Primary School - opens in new tab" class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/eastover-primary-school-street/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://somersetsustainabletransport.commonplace.is/en-gb/proposals/eastover-primary-school-street/step1$eastovercommunityprimaryschool">Eastover Community Primary School</a> -&nbsp;5th June &ndash; 19th June

Who is exempt from School Streets restrictions?People walking, scooting and using cycles are not subject to the restrictions, as we want to encourage everyone to try to avoid driving in the closed sections during the restricted hours.The following motorised vehicles would still be able to enter or exit the School Street when it is in operation:<ul><li>Emergency services&nbsp;</li><li>Emergency utility visits</li><li>Blue badge holders</li><li>Vehicles parked within the School Street that need to exit</li><li>Care workers serving a property within the School Street</li><li>Vehicles belonging to the residents and business within the School Street</li><li>School transport&nbsp;</li><li>Waste and recycling collections</li></ul>&nbsp;Those permitted to enter and leave the School Street will be required to&nbsp;drive at walking pace and may be walked through, for all or part of the way, by a Steward to ensure the safety of people within it.<h3>What does this mean for parents and carers?</h3>Parents or carers dropping children at school are not able to drive into a School Street zone unless they can show that they are exempt. We would ask that where possible pupils and their families walk, cycle or scoot to school. This however is not always possible, in these situations we would ask you to park considerately outside of the School Street Zone and walk, cycle or scoot the remaining distance to school, known as Park and Stride. We will work to identify suitable alternative parking options.<h3>Can residents come and go as they please?</h3>Residents will be permitted to enter or leave the School Street at any time. We would ask that to create a safe and pleasant environment outside the school, that where possible to avoid travelling by vehicle whilst the School Street closure is in operation.<h3>What if I have a delivery or visitor?</h3>We would ask that visitors and deliveries are scheduled to arrive outside the School Street closure times. They will be asked to return after the School Street has ended or to park nearby and make the remainder of the journey by foot. If a visitor is a blue badge holder they will be exempt.<h3>Are School Staff able to enter?</h3>School Staff will be asked to arrive at school outside of the School Street closure times. If this is not possible, if they are parking within the school staff car park they will be able to enter.<h3>What is the legal position for closing the School Street?</h3>An experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) will be put in place, which allows the road to be temporarily closed by law.&nbsp;<h2>Common concerns</h2><h3>Won&rsquo;t the School Street just move issues with congestion, road safety and parking to neighbouring street?</h3>Evidence collected from other existing School Streets do not show that they cause issues elsewhere.&nbsp;There is potential for parking to be dispersed over a wider area rather than concentrated at the most hazardous spot outside the school gates. We will explore opportunities for official park and stride sites to help to minimise impact on other streets.&nbsp;School streets have also been proven to encourage more families to walk, cycle and scoot to school, therefore reducing the number of cars of the road.<h3>I have limited time and it will take longer for me to get the children to school?</h3>Often finding a suitable parking space can be a stressful and challenging experience, and you may often have to sit in a queue of traffic. Leaving the car at home, or parking elsewhere and walking the remaining distance, can often take a similar time, especially if there are walking and cycling shortcuts. It can also be a more pleasant experience, allowing time to build physical activity into your daily routine and to socialise as a family or with friends.

Have your say on Rural Transport and Engagement. 


Rural Transport and Engagement

<h2>Rural Transport</h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1677083917/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/yoc3l6qaqy2k4xv7o2w6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" alt="Arial picture of Somerset"> Here in Somerset, we&rsquo;re in the early stages of writing a new Local Transport Plan.&nbsp;We recognise the importance of improving rural mobility and rural connections within Somerset, and this will be a vital consideration when drafting the plan.&nbsp;Have your say by responding to all or some of the questions below:

<h2>Engagement</h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1677084846/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/x9a2n5gwvldoafm4bpoy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" alt="Two people having coffee icon"> Engagement refers to the involvement of others outside an organisation in the agenda setting, decision making, and/or policy forming activities of that organisation.&nbsp; In this case, it would be Somerset Council engaging with members of the public on their Local Transport Plan update.

Your comments will be used to inform the development of our Local Transport Plan, making sure Somerset&rsquo;s streets are a welcoming place for everyone.&nbsp;Comments will also feed into research being undertaken by About Community Engagement (ACE), who are looking into how engagement on mobility in rural areas can be improved.&nbsp;For more information about ACE, please visit&nbsp;<a aria-label="www.aboutcommunityengagement.com - opens in new tab" class="fr-green fr-strong" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="http://www.aboutcommunityengagement.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="http://www.aboutcommunityengagement.com/$www.aboutcommunityengagement.com">www.aboutcommunityengagement.com </a>

We’d love to hear your thoughts on shaping the future of sustainable transport in Somerset.

Somerset Youth Voice Survey

Somerset Youth Voice

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1675343013/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/kgxrctmampzvaumjm40k.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" alt="Somerset youth logo"> We&rsquo;d love to hear your thoughts on shaping the future of sustainable transport in Somerset.Sustainable transport is transport that has low and zero emissions and is energy efficient such as; walking, cycling, wheeling, electric transport, and public transport.We&rsquo;ve created this short survey, and your answers will help us to raise your voice and share your thoughts on what young people want and need.&nbsp;

Have your say on new proposed bike rack locations across Mendip.

Bike Rack Locations Across Mendip

Following public requests for additional cycle racks across Mendip, a decision was made by MDC for the Climate Emergency and Resilience team and Sustainable Transport to investigate potential locations for the racks across Mendip District.We have created a map with our proposed locations below. Click on the top left icon to see the legend.&nbsp;We want to make bike parking safer and more convenient across Mendip. You can tell us what you think of the locations, below.<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1xYljTAWcgw2ZUIKLhtKLXV3zRI_1Iwdp&hl=en&ehbc=2E312F" width="1040" height="580"></iframe>

Have your say on a network of new walking and cycling routes across Taunton Garden Town. 

Connecting our Garden Communities

Somerset West and Taunton have produced a draft plan setting out their aspirations for a network of walking and cycling routes across Taunton Garden Town, intended to meet the needs of future residents and workers in connection with new developments, known as the Garden Communities, as well as improve connections for existing communities. We want to know what you think.Click here to have your say: <a href="https://tauntongardentown.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://tauntongardentown.commonplace.is/</a><a href="https://tauntongardentown.commonplace.is/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1659103670/projects/611cee43ff49a5e6c2f69b77/l4mmemdxu0uwyzdf5ld2.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a>This consultation will be open until 30th September 2022.