“It’s every child’s right to be able to walk in their community without fear of traffic and pollution.”
Those are the words of Scott Williams, head of programme delivery at Brake, ahead of this year’s Kids Walk on 22 June.
The annual event – previously known as the Giant Walk – will see thousands of children walk in pairs in crocodile formation within their community, aiming to raise awareness of the need for safe spaces to walk.
Schools and educators are being encouraged to sign up for the event – and in doing so will receive a free action pack featuring lesson plans, assemblies, activities, and posters, all brightly illustrated and featuring the popular Shaun the Sheep characters by Aardman.
Scott Williams said: “It’s every child’s right to be able to walk in their community without fear of traffic and pollution.
“Throughout the pandemic families have taken to the streets on foot and by bike and we hope these activities will continue as restrictions lift and ordinary road traffic returns. It is vital that children can walk safely in the places where they live.
“This year we hope to inspire as many children, schools and families as possible through our Brake’s Kids Walk event.”
As well as teaching children vital road safety skills, Brake’s Kids Walk sets out to educate parents and other adults.
Posters and demonstration materials highlight what children need to walk safely in their communities, including footpaths, cycle paths, safe places to cross and slow and clean traffic.
Brake will also provide schools with a template manifesto document that they can use to help them ask local or national decision-makers to prioritise safe and healthy journeys for children.
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