Image: Living Streets
Swapping short car journeys for walking or wheeling is an easy way to reduce air pollution and congestion – and the journey to school is a great place to start.
That’s the message from Living Streets, following an event to promote WOW, its walk to school challenge.
Living Streets quotes statistics showing that a generation ago, 70% of primary school aged children walked to school, a figure which has dropped to less than half.
The charity says it is working to reverse the decline in walking rates, including through its WOW challenge.
The initiative sees schools typically see an increase in walking rates by 23%, with a 30% reduction in cars driving to the school gates.
The event, which took place on 9 Feb, saw Adam Tranter, West Midlands cycling and walking commissioner, join pupils from Eastern Green Junior School in Coventry for a walk to school.
He heard first-hand about the benefits the pupils have experienced from walking to school as part of WOW.
Adam Tranter said: “Walking all, or some of the school run is such a great way for kids to start their day.
“They get fresh air, a chance to chat with friends and arrive at the classroom refreshed and ready to focus. When more people walk for short journeys, it benefits everyone.
“It has been great meeting pupils today and seeing the fantastic work the school is doing with Living Streets to encourage their pupils to get more active, helping them stay healthy and happy while also making school gates safer.
“Meeting with the pupils reassures me our future will be in good hands; many of them already know that walking is great for the planet and their own health and are already championing more people to do it whenever possible.
“The mayor and I are committed to making active travel the obvious first choice for short trips like the school run.”
In the West Midlands, 48% of 5-16 year olds arrive at school by car. However, 36% of pupils at Eastern Green Junior School are currently driven with the rest choosing to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or Park and Stride to school.
A positive story but this looks like decision makers are focussing on getting someone else – children- to make the change. Perhaps commuting should be the next focus for healthy travel.
Paul Luton, Teddington
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