25th November 2016 Scoil Bhríde Rathcormac, Co. Cork 17609N

School Description Scoil Bhríde Rathcormac is a mixed 15-classroom school in the village of Rathcormac, on the Fermoy to Cork Road (R639). There are 401 students and 35 staff in the school, and the new school building was opened in 2013. Currently 52% of the student population travel to school by car, with 34% walking, 5.5% on the bus and 8% undertaking Park & Stride.

What did we do? To look at the main routes into the school with a view to encouraging walking, cycling or Park & Stride. To look for a suitable Park & Stride location at both sides of the village To assess the infrastructure around the school & share this with the school community

What did we do? Maps of the routes Recording sheets Recording devices (timer, trundle wheel, measuring tapes) Hi-visibilty vests Camera Pencils/Clipboards Analysis sheets

Where did we go? The Green-Schools Committee left the school and headed towards the Church, as one of the suggested Park & Stride (P&S) spots was the Church and Community Hall Car park. We walked 200 meters to the north east and turned back towards the school, crossing at the pedestrian lights at Dooleys Shop. We walked towards the Spar shop on the southern end of the village. Crossing back over the road at Spar we walked back towards the school. In the hour long assessment we walked c. 900metres.

Summary of our Findings There is a break in the footpath at the end of the school access point to the main street. Pedestrians needed to be vigilant as vehicles parked on the footpaths and used some of the side laneways. The Community Centre provides a good Park & Stride location, provided that walking is supervised as there are breaks in the paths and crossings. It took 4 minutes 33 seconds to walk to the school from here. The Green Man light push-button pedestrian light at Dooley's Crossing is broken on the school side. There are good wide footpaths in the village, and frequent crossing points. The sun shines on the “school” side of the street so be aware of icy patches in the shade. The “priority crossing” seems to cause confusion to both motorists and pedestrians, neither knowing if they are entitled to proceed. The Red & Green Man push-button pedestrian light at Spar is broken. The junction before the school on the Cork side does not give pedestrian priority and is used as a fast slip road off the main road.

Where did we go? School to Community Centre Car park = 4.33 minutes School to Spar Shop = 6.37 minutes We spotted 86 cigarette butts on our route 

Recommendations Inform the whole school community of our Walkability Audit and to be aware of the footpaths and crossings on the walking routes. Inform parents of the potential Park & Stride locations we assessed – the Community Hall and the Spar side of the village. Inform Cork County Council of the broken pedestrian crossing light bulbs at Dooley’s Crossing and Spar Crossing. Ask Cork CoCo about the pedestrian priority crossing, and should it be reviewed. Also discuss the junction to the access road for the school as this is causing issues for pedestrians using this route. Remind all students to wear bright clothing and obey the Rules of the Road, but enjoy walking, Park & Stride and travelling to school in a sustainable way.

Details of our Findings Be aware that there is a break in the pedestrian footpath between the school and the main street. Vehicles parking on the footpaths around the village, plus use laneways for access. The car park at the Community Hall near the Church has ample parking but students will need to be accompanied by their parents if using as a P&S spot. There is a “priority crossing” near the old school on the main road but anecdotal evidence suggests that traffic does not always stop at this crossing.

Details of our Findings There are excellent pedestrian crossings in the village. The light on the Green-Man on the school side at the Dooley's crossing is currently not working. The Pedestrian lights opposite Spar also have light bulbs blown. Ask Cork County Council to repair the lights as soon as possible.

Details of our Findings There is good signage leading up to the school but the access road is incredibly busy and it is considered a dangerous spot to cross. This is not a designated pedestrian crossing area and cars accessing the school use it as a slip road off the main road. The road is wide and it took the children 35 seconds to get across in the group. Ask Cork County Council to review the crossing. Would it be better as a Stop junction?

Thank you Ellen Murphy emurphy@eeu.antaisce.org 087 9704518 Sharon Murphy, Green-Schools Coordinator Scoil Bhríde Rathcormac Rathcormac Co. Cork info@sbrathcormac.ie 025 36616