In almost any school communities, the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up can quickly become the busiest parts of the day. Around Cottesloe Primary School, like many schools, traffic congestion at the start and end of the day is an ongoing challenge.
Rather than accepting this as part of school life, Cottesloe Primary School is encouraging families to think differently about the school run. Through its Active Transport initiatives, the school is helping students and families choose safer, healthier and more active ways to travel. That includes walking, riding, skating, scooting or catching the bus.
Tackling School Traffic Through Active Transport
Active Transport means walking, riding, skating, scooting or catching the bus to school as an alternative to driving, where it works for each family.
For students, it is also a practical way to build confidence using roads, paths and crossings around the school safely. For families and the wider school community, more Active Transport can mean fewer cars, calmer streets and healthier travel habits.
A School-Led Initiative With Strong Community Support
The School Board and Your Move team, led by Physical Education Teacher Chris Andrews, have worked together to encourage more families to give Active Transport a go, at Cottesloe Primary and around WA.
Active Transport days are held once a term, giving families regular opportunities to get involved. Each year, the school also hosts one major Active Transport day, giving students a chance to practise road and path safety in a fun, practical setting.
Turtle Traffic’s Role in the 2025 Active Transport Day
In 2025, with support from founder and owner Ken Stratton, Turtle Traffic donated the time of two team members to help make the major Active Transport day even more engaging.
The team set up a fun on-site course featuring traffic lights, obstacles and detours. Students loved the challenge, and the support of experienced traffic management professionals helped add energy, structure and a bit of pizzazz to the day.
A Wet and Stormy Day With an Outstanding Result
The 2025 turnout was even more impressive because of the weather. Despite a wet and stormy day, more than 80% of students used Active Transport to get to school.
That result says a lot about the commitment of Cottesloe Primary School families and the enthusiasm students brought to the event. When students are excited to take part, and families feel supported to make the change, Active Transport becomes more than a one-day activity. It starts to become part of the school’s everyday conversation around safe travel.
Creating a Safe Space on Keane Street
This year, Turtle Traffic is once again supporting Cottesloe Primary School by donating equipment, time and experienced traffic management staff to help celebrate Active Transport.
Working with the Department of Transport, Turtle Traffic will help manage the planned closure of Keane Street, creating a controlled space away from regular vehicle movement. This gives children a safer area to learn and take part. This gives students room to move, practise and play while also providing a practical way to learn how roads, paths, detours and traffic controls work in a safe, student-focused environment.
For Turtle Traffic, whose work across Western Australia is built around safe, practical traffic management, the event was a simple way to apply that experience in a community setting.
Why Business Support Matters
Events like this take more than good intentions. They need planning, people, equipment and safe spaces where students can take part with confidence.
Turtle Traffic’s involvement helps make the day safer, more organised and more engaging, with traffic lights, obstacles, detours and experienced traffic management staff on site. By contributing practical expertise as well as time and equipment, the team helps Cottesloe Primary School deliver an event that is organised, safe and worthwhile for families.
That support also sets an example. When businesses get involved, they help raise the profile of the event and encourage others to back the Active Transport message.
Supporting Safer, More Active School Communities
Supporting Cottesloe Primary School’s Active Transport day connects closely with Turtle Traffic’s everyday work in helping people move safely through changing traffic environments.
By donating equipment, time and experienced staff, Turtle Traffic is playing a practical role in an initiative that encourages safer school travel, healthier habits and stronger community involvement.
Most importantly, the Active Transport day gives students a positive, practical experience with road safety. For students and families, that practical experience can help shape safer habits long after the event has finished.