Latest news with #schoolrun
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
13 best kids' scooters that will have toddlers and teens whizzing around
For kids, it doesn't get much better than whizzing around on a scooter. If you're a parent yet to be convinced, expect to be converted. School runs get done in record time, and those previous family walks stretch on for longer, with dragging feet replaced with a new need for speed. Scooters also act as a vehicle for kids to get some exercise while spending more time outdoors, too. Plus, zipping around on them can help improve their balance and gross motor skills during their early development, too. Of course, little racers should wear their helmet at all times. Usually, kids from the age of two can use basic kick scooters, and these tend to have two height adjustments for kids to grow into. More recently, innovations have seen ride-on toys that can transform into scooters that can be used by children from around a year old, meaning you'll get much more use out of them, and your money is well spent. Whether it's three-wheeled or two-wheeled, a first scooter or an upgrade, we've found the best scooters for everyone. How we tested the best kids' scooters Our troop of core reviewers were aged four, seven and 13 during testing. We also called in help from toddler testers when it came to the multifunctional scooters, which are aimed at kids aged one year plus. Most of the testing took place on pavements or tarmacked paths – whether that was the school run or out and about on a family walk – which is where the majority of the scooters performed best. We did also scope out other terrains, such as decking, indoor sports halls and bumpier terrain, such as cobbles and uneven surfaces. Testing took place, rain or shine, for over a month. We looked at adjustability, brakes, and the longevity the scooter provided. Most of all, we had a keen eye on which scooters our testers seemed to enjoy riding the most. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Rebecca Moore has reviewed products for IndyBest since 2020 and has gathered a great deal of knowledge and testing experience, in particular for kids' and parenting buys, including toys. Rebecca and her group of willing young testers have taken these scooters for a spin to see how they fare under real-world conditions. The best kids' scooters for 2025 are:
BBC News
23-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hempsted parents call for 'temporary measure' on canal bridge
Parents are calling for temporary measures to reopen a damaged bridge amid school run Hempsted Bridge, which previously provided pedestrian access over the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, was closed by Gloucestershire Highways on April 22 due to safety found the tarmac on the structure had worn away, exposing the wooden Kirsty said the closure is placing added strain on her son, who is preparing for his GCSEs, as he now faces an extra 30-minute walk each day. But, a Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said the bridge is likely to remain closed until planned work is completed in July. And a Canal and River Trust spokesperson has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure, the Local Democracy Service reported. They said: "Having secured the funding needed, we're currently waiting for specialist material to be delivered before we remove the current bridge surface and deck and replace it with a new timber deck on behalf of the council." Kirsty, whose children attend Ribston High School and Crypt School in Hempsted, said the closure has created a "long old walk" for her kids."My son is in the middle of his GCSEs - the additional pick ups have had a real impact on all our lives," she said. Jasmine's son also attends The Crypt School and is completing his GCSEs. She told the BBC the bridge closed with "no warning" just before children returned back to school after the Easter said: "My son is doing 25 GCSE exams this summer - adding extra stress by him having to walk a long distance to school isn't needed."The solution for us would be a temporary fix [of the bridge] over the May half term - kids could then utilise the bridge for the remainder of the term and elevate the pressure on parents and students." Grandmother Jen, whose grandson attends The Crypt School, said she's had to cancel her holiday to be readily available for pick said: "It's now virtually impossible for children to walk to and from school."Dibs Bucknell, the Hempsted Residents Association's Highways representative, said residents are disappointed that despite constant emails over three years, nothing was done before about the deteriorating state of the said: "Only when the Hempsted Residents Association involved the media did anything happen.""Surely a thin steel plate can be laid in the centre to allow access. We have written to our MP to ask him to follow it up," he added.
