Safer School Travel in the Wairarapa

At the Wairarapa Road Safety Council, we work closely with our communities, local councils, schools, Police, and Greater Wellington Regional Council to help keep tamariki and rangatahi safe on their journeys to and from school.

Why School Travel Safety Matters

According to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, children are most at risk as pedestrians during school peak times — between 7am–9am and 2pm–4pm. That’s why we support a wide range of road safety initiatives across the Wairarapa — from Masterton to Martinborough — aimed at making school travel safer, healthier, and more active.

How We Help Keep School Routes Safe

‍We support schools and whanau in creating safer environments by:

• Designing safer walking and cycling routes to school
• Supporting school road patrols
• Helping schools develop safe drop-off and pick-up zones
• Encouraging safe parking practices near school gates
• Improving visibility and safety at crossing points
• Working with councils to reduce speeds around schools
• Promoting active transport options like walking, biking, and scootering
• Supporting local Police enforcement around schools during peak times

Speed Limits Around Schools

‍In line with national changes to speed management, Wairarapa councils are progressively introducing 30 km/h speed limits around schools. These may be permanent or variable (active during pick-up/drop-off times).We support these changes through education, signage campaigns, and community engagement to ensure safer traffic speeds near school zones.

Active Travel – Healthier and Safer Journeys

‍Active travel includes walking, biking, scootering or skateboarding to school. It helps reduce traffic congestion at school gates and promotes healthier lifestyles.

We encourage active travel through:

• Supporting schools to set up Walking School Buses
• Running Walk to School days and events
• Promoting the Movin’ March initiative each year across Wairarapa primary and intermediate schools.
• Sharing best practice resources from Kura Kete (Greater Wellington Regional Council)
• Partnering with Greater Wellington Regional Council to offer Pedal Ready bike skills training
• Supporting Bikes in Schools programmes and infrastructure

These initiatives help build confidence, independence, and road awareness in young people.

Bike Skills & Safety

‍We coordinate and support free cycle training for schools through:

• Pedal Ready: A regional cycle skills training programme delivered in schools across Masterton, Carterton, and South Wairarapa.
• Bikes in Schools: Supporting schools with on-site bike tracks, helmets, and bikes to encourage regular riding.
• Bike Ready: A national programme promoting safe cycling and road sharing.

Learn More

• Pedal Ready (https://www.pedalready.org.nz)
• Bike Ready (https://www.bikeready.govt.nz)
• Bikes in School (https://bikeon.org.nz/bikes-in-schools/)

Get Involved or Raise a Concern

‍If your school is interested in starting a road safety initiative or if you have concerns about road safety near your school, we’d love to hear from you.Contact us at: rsc@wairsc.org.nzCall us on: 06 377 1379Together, we can make school journeys safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for every child in the Wairarapa.