CASE STUDY : How a Market Town Used Data and Community to Rethink the School Run
- HomeRun Team
- Dec 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Community Energy and Data: Transforming Travel in Market Harborough
A Groundbreaking Initiative!
In Market Harborough, a volunteer group, six primary schools, and nearly 2,000 families demonstrated the power of community energy combined with insightful data. This collaboration has shown what is possible when people come together for a common cause.
Working with Active Travel Revolution, we introduced HomeRun STEP to the town. This initiative aimed to analyse every school journey, validating our findings with a remarkable 53% parent survey response. The results were striking and provided valuable insights into travel habits.
Key Findings
The analysis revealed significant opportunities for improvement. We discovered that there is a potential to increase walking by 51%. Additionally, we found that driving could be reduced by 58%. These findings highlight the potential for journey sharing and emphasise the need to focus our actions where they will have the greatest impact.
A Model-First Approach
Our approach is model-first and community-powered. This means we prioritise the needs and insights of the community while leveraging data to inform our decisions. The success of this initiative in Market Harborough has set a precedent. We are now ready to scale this model nationally, bringing the benefits of community energy and data analysis to other towns and cities.
The Importance of Community Engagement
Community engagement is crucial for the success of any initiative. By involving local families and schools, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This engagement not only helps in gathering data but also encourages families to make more sustainable travel choices.
Future Steps
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our reach and impact. We will continue to work with schools and families to promote walking, cycling, and shared journeys. Our goal is to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone.
Conclusion
The journey in Market Harborough is just the beginning. With the right data and community involvement, we can transform travel habits across the country. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time.