A primary school in Didsbury is leading the way in Manchester when it comes to promoting healthier lifestyles and improving air quality. Beaver Road Primary School is encouraging families to “bike, walk, or scoot to school” in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
The school’s message is clear: changing how you travel can make a real difference to air quality and road safety. The school points out that your walking or biking route to Beaver Road could be quicker and easier than you think.
Clean-air routes like The Poppy Path off School Lane, Fletcher Moss Gardens, and Didsbury Park are helping families make eco-friendly choices. For those who choose to cycle, there are bike racks at both the front and rear of the school, as well as by the junior entrance. Just remember to bring your helmet and a padlock.
Walking to school can also be a chance to enjoy the local independent businesses that Didsbury Village is known for. You could stop for a coffee and a croissant at PIQNIQ by La Chouquette, which is open until 4pm, so you can grab a treat either on the way to school or on the way home.
To make the school run even more manageable, many families have set up drop-off and pick-up rotas with friends. It’s a simple idea with big benefits. Children start their day by chatting with friends, parents can stay on schedule for work, and everyone gets their steps in.
The school is also making sure safety is a top priority. Yellow zigzags, single, and double yellow lines outside schools are there for a reason — to keep kids safe. So, don’t risk a parking fine by stopping in these restricted areas. If you need to grab something quickly, Aldi’s car park on Wilmslow Road offers 2 hours of free parking.
For those driving with a Blue Badge, the single yellow lines are the only ones where parking is allowed.
Another key tip from the school: “Switch off your engine!” Did you know that leaving your engine running for just one minute can fill up 150 balloons with toxic air? So, if you’re catching a taxi, consider getting dropped off a short walk away to keep the school street safe for everyone.
To help reduce traffic, there are free parking options just two minutes from the school, including spaces near School Lane, Costa, Hispi, and Didsbury Pub car park on Wilmslow Road. Simply register your number plate to get 1.5 hours of free parking.
Beaver Road also wants to make sure everyone feels confident cycling around the area, so they’ve partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester. They offer free “Riding with Families” courses, helping adults learn to cycle on roads with children. More information and bookings can be found at TFGM’s website.
For anyone looking to make the school run even greener, there are also local groups like Mums for Lungs and People Place Planet Didsbury that offer support and resources to help families and schools stay active and eco-friendly.
Beaver Road Primary School is proving that small changes can have a big impact, making Didsbury a cleaner, healthier, and safer place for everyone.
