After a successful pilot, the London Borough of Islington is launching a new scooter safety and behaviour programme called ScootAlive.
Created by Islington Council's road safety and special projects team, ScootAlive is a series of six workshops aimed at young people aged 13–16 years to raise awareness of scooter safety and deter them from taking part in scooter-related anti-social behaviour.
Project partners include the local Safer Neighbourhoods police team, ScooterSafe, Islington Council Youth Services, Spark Plug scooter maintenance and Islington Fire Brigade.
Steve Cutmore, senior RSO, said: "This is an exciting initiative because it approaches casualty reduction from an anti-social behaviour perspective. ScootAlive came about through concerns over public safety and scooter use on estates in Islington. The workshops teach young people to be aware of their own safety, but also to be more considerate of the needs of the local community.
“We hope to create a climate of change in these areas, which encourages young people to pass on the safety message to their peers - making our roads safer. We've had very positive feedback and are now expanding ScootAlive across the borough.”
Roger Elderton, youth worker at the Canonbury Project said: "ScootAlive has been an excellent opportunity for the young people we work with. I have seen how it has motivated them to make more positive use of their time and feel better about themselves today than they did yesterday. As an experienced youth worker, I'd say that is a very positive step forward."
For further information on ScootAlive, contact Steve Cutmore or Jason Newton on 020 7527 2319 or email road.safety@islington.gov.uk.
