Student ‘knocked off bicycle by parent in a car’ near school gates in Bristol

A school headteacher in Bristol is urging parents not to drop off and pick up children outside the school gates after a student was knocked off their bicycle. Ben Houghton, headteacher at Redland Green School, described the incident last week as ‘shocking’.

He said the student suffered minor injuries after coming off their bicycle in the collision apparently involving a parent in a car at the junction of Redland Green Road and Redland Court Road. Redland Court Road, Mr Houghton said, was a narrow road which leads up to the school entrance, and should not be used by parents dropping off and picking up children.

The incident comes as Bristol City Council continues to roll out ‘school streets’ where vehicles are banned outside schools at the start and end of the school day, with walkers and cyclists taking priority. So far, school streets have been introduced seven schools - and four more will get the zones in September this year. There are also plans to bring in the scheme at Ashton Gate Primary School in Southville.

In a letter to parents at Redland Green School, Mr Houghton said: “Unfortunately, before school earlier this week we had an incident where one of our students was knocked off their bicycle by a parent in a car. This occurred on the junction of Redland Green Road and Redland Court Road. Fortunately, the student is unharmed beyond cuts and grazes but nevertheless it was shocking for them and those who witnessed it.

“I would like to stress that Redland Court Road should not be used to drop off or pick up your children. It is narrow, has limited visibility and at peak times is very busy with our students walking and cycling to school. We would suggest that if you decide to drive your child to school you drop them off by the on-street parking near Redland Green Park or further along Redland Green Road.”