Five children warning signs have been installed: two on Murphy Lane, two on Gorman Road and one on Hewitt Close. 

The 12-month trial allowing 17 students to access the school via Hewitt Close was a controversial one after residents opposed the idea, saying it was a narrow road without a footpath and drivers sped along Gorman Road despite the 50km/h speed limit.

Hewitt Close residents oppose cyclists and pedestrians

School pedals health benefits

But principal Reverend Louis Stringer said it had been going “exceptionally well” so far, with parents testing the route with their children.

“It’s important we encourage the community to use a variety of methods to get to work and school and that’s not just about cars,” he said. 

“Let’s make sure children have as many safe and healthy options as possible.”

Mr Stringer said the school had requested the signs after taking on board some of the safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.

He said despite concerns parents would drop their children in Hewitt Close, they had continued to use Murphy Lane as the kiss and drop point.

“We’re very grateful to parents and grandparents for undertaking that request, we’ve had no problems with that at all,” he said.

The school also hopes to run a cycleway through farming land and an underpass at the Northern Distributor Road to connect to Orange City Council's wetland loop cycleway, which Mr Stringer said was still under consideration.

City of Orange Traffic Committee chairman and councillor Russell Turner said there had been no reported incidents.

“Given all the trees in the area, the school requested the signs and we agreed,” he said.

“While it’s just a small rural area, there’s concern about the roads, especially Gorman Road being quite undulating.

“There’s been continued growth so the traffic is increasing.”