Walk to School Week

Walk to School Week is a national event in May and is an excellent opportunity to encourage more pupils to walk to school, and raise awareness of the associated problems of "school run" traffic.

In 2001 approximately 12,000 schools nationally and 2.5 million children took part in the week. The event not only highlights the advantages to congestion that walking to school brings, but also the health benefits from the daily walk.

The week in May is followed by International Walk to School Week in October, in which children from around the world all use their feet to get to school.

Schools participating in Walk to School Week during 2006 will receive a resource pack containing lesson activities, Walk to School Week wall planners, diaries and posters, in addition to the full support of the Road Safety team. Schools that are involved in the Junior Road Safety Officers scheme, and those that are currently involved in the production of a School Travel Plan, will also receive a "Walk the World" activity book for children in Key Stage Two. The activity book aims to promote the walking to school message, along with the benefits that such an activity can bring.

A recent survey conducted by a leading insurance company found that a 10% reduction in school commuting by car could prevent 190 deaths and injuries a year, and estimates that nearly 7,000 deaths and injuries, including 200 child deaths, happen between 8.00am and 9.00am

If you would like your school to take part in Walk to School Week or for further information contact the Road Safety team.