A RECENT car ban in St Davids has been deemed a wheely great event, as pupils biked, scooted and walked to school.

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi was one of forty UK schools who took part in Sustrans School Streets, a programme that aims to ease the congestion, poor air quality and road safety concerns that many schools experience during drop-off and pick-up times.

By facilitating timed traffic restrictions on the road outside the school gates, pupils at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi were able to walk, cycle and scoot to school in a traffic free environment.

On the day, parents, pupils and staff were encouraged to park at the nearby Quickwell Hill carpark and walk, cycle or scoot to the school campus.

There was a special assembly by the Bike It Crew and throughout the day pupils were outside taking lessons and playing games. Mayor Cllr Michael Chant cycled over to show his support.

Sustrans staff delivered Dr Bike and Scooter Skill sessions where pupils were shown how to ride and scoot safely and repair any damaged bikes. Sustrans worked in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council who helped facilitate the street closure and who provided support on the day.

"The Sustrans School Street closure was a fantastic day at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi," said Sioned Lewis, Sustrans schools officer.

"Usually, streets around schools are dominated by idling cars and speeding traffic at drop-off and pick-up times.

"By closing the school street outside Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, pupils, staff and parents had more space, a safer environment and cleaner air. It's been wonderful to see everyone embracing active travel to school and enjoying the extra space to play outside.

"It was fantastic to see the Mayor, Cllr Michael Chant cycle over to show support for the day too. Well done to everybody who took part."