A Traffic Test study, commissioned by the Cycle Board ('het Fietsberaad') is presented in the article titled "Auto in basisschoolverkeer nog slechts 14 procent: leeftijd en de afstand bepalen de citeria" (See C 25836 fo ["Car in primary school traffic still only 14%: age and distance to school determine the criteria"]). The current article is a reaction to that article. 3VO (the new VVN) has never claimed that most children are taken to primary school by car, but that there are many cars in the vicinity (and on their way to and from) of primary schools making it unsafe. The fact that 'only 14 percent' of the children are brought to primary school by car (a finding of the Traffic Test study) means that there are, on average, a great number of cars per school. All the more because there are great differences, with extremes of more than 50 percent. Our 2000 traffic parents, therefore, do not think that the problem is small, as stated by the Cycle Board. The Traffic Test study has again confirmed that children go to school independently at an older age. More than a quarter of the 10 year olds are still being brought to school. Road safety is given as an important reason for doing this. 3VO is of the opinion that it is essential that all people should be able to travel independently; this includes children. 3VO remains a supporter of independent travel being possible, now and in the future. It therefore demands continuous attention for road safety in residential areas, villages, towns, and cities. It hopes that it will find the Cycle Board on its side.
Samenvatting