Bradford Play Streets: Council’s plan to get children active

People living on quiet streets in Bradford will be able to request that their roads be temporarily closed to traffic in a bid to get children more active.

The new Play Streets initiative aims to tackle the problem of inactivity among many of the district’s children, with a recent study finding that almost two-thirds of youngsters in some areas were not getting enough exercise.

The scheme, led by Bradford Council, will allow residents living in residential streets or cul-de-sacs to apply to close their streets for one to three hours so children can safely spend more time outside.

The council says the sessions could also provide a chance to bring neighbors together and bring a sense of community spirit.

A study by the Born in Bradford research program found that 64 per cent of nine and 10-year-olds were not getting the recommended amount of daily exercise and were spending up to 70 per cent of their day sitting down, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councilor Sue Duffy, portfolio holder for children and families and Living Well, said: “There is a real need in Bradford to create more opportunities for our children to play outside as this has huge, long-term benefits for their physical health and mental well-being. .”

The launch initiative follows a successful pilot scheme on two separate streets.

Residents and communities who wanted to hold a Play Street session should start by talking to their neighbors to get support and find the most convenient dates and times for the sessions to take place, the council said.

They can then apply on the Bradford Council website.

The local authority said it would usually take around four weeks to process an application and, once approved, ‘road closed’ signs and cones would be provided.

To minimize disruption, residents will still be allowed vehicular access to and from their homes during the Play Street session.