New research, published to mark the start of Walk to School Week, has found that a quarter of parents with primary school children are now able to walk their child to school more often, thanks to flexible working introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Censuswide survey was commissioned by Living Streets, who says it is “fantastic to see that more families can enjoy quality time together on the walk to school”.
The results show that 25% of parents/carers of children aged between 4-11 years say they can now walk their child to school more than they used to. Some 19% had not had a change in their working arrangements.
Respondents were also asked what would encourage them to walk their child to school instead of driving – answering better walking environments (18%), fewer cars (18%), better air quality (18%) and better working arrangements (17%).
Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during Living Streets’ Walk to School Week, which starts today (15-19 May).
Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the ‘big differences’ that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
More than 1,000 schools have signed up to take part this year and receive special Walk With Wildlife themed challenge packs, equating to approximately 356,000 pupils across England, Scotland and Wales.
Stephen Edwards, chief executive of Living Streets, said: “It’s fantastic to see that more families can enjoy quality time together on the walk to school thanks to flexible working arrangements. By offering a good work/life balance, employers are rewarded with a happier and more productive workforce.
“It’s concerning that parents are put off walking their child to school because of too many cars and poor air quality. By switching from driving to walking our short, everyday journeys, we can start to reduce this congestion and the pollution it causes, becoming part of the solution.
“Walk to School Week is an excellent opportunity to give walking to school a go to see how it could fit into our lives year-round.”
Children’s television presenter and emergency doctor, Dr Ronx is the celebrity ambassador for Living Streets’ walk to school campaign.
Dr Ronx said: “May is Living Streets’ National Walking Month. It’s the perfect excuse to try leaving the car at home for our short trips, such as the journey to school. Health experts recommend children are active for 60 minutes a day to stay healthy and happy.
“Walking to school is a great way to get those minutes adding up.”
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