Benefits of walking and cycling to school highlighted
Released: 26 February 2008
Wolverhampton City Council’s Road Safety Team is working with more than 70 schools to highlight the benefits of walking or cycling to school.
A total of 74 nursery, infant, junior, primary and secondary schools across the city are taking part in the authority’s School Gate Campaign.
The campaign aims to encourage parents and carers to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or use more sustainable methods of transport to travel to and from school. It also aims to drive home the safety message to those who have to use their cars.
Banners are being put up at school entrances asking parents and carers: ‘Do you need your car? School’s not very far’ and flyers have been produced for children to take home outlining the benefits of walking or cycling to school.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise, said: “It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of primary and secondary school children are driven to school when many of the journeys are short enough to walk or cycle.
“Walking or cycling to school is a great way to improve a child’s health and well-being and many children think it is a great opportunity to talk with other children.
“At the same time, if more parents and carers make the choice to leave the car at home, problems caused by congestion around schools in the morning and afternoon can be reduced.
“However we recognise that for some people driving is the only practical option and the campaign also aims to highlight the need to park safely, away from ‘keep clear’ markings, junctions, driveways and access roads.”
Tips about how drivers can help keep everyone safe when they are near schools across the city are outlined in the flyer as well as information on the health benefits of walking or cycling and the penalties for inconsiderate parking.
For further information please contact the Road Safety Team on 01902 551155 or e-mail road.safety@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Issued by the press office.