Parents and carers across Staffordshire are being encouraged to consider walking their children to school to improve health, reduce congestion and create safer communities.
Staffordshire County Council's School Travel team says that walking, cycling or scootering to school helps children build physical activity into their daily routine, which builds up their fitness and improves their wellbeing. Walking or Wheeling to school has also been found to improve concentration in the classroom and it can be a great opportunity for families to spend time together and develop healthy habits.
At the same time, families who do need to drive to school are being reminded to be considerate and to park responsibly, safely, and not to block pavements near schools especially at peak times.
Fewer vehicles on the road during busy times also means less traffic congestion and a safer environment for everyone travelling to and from school.
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said:
Walking, scootering or cycling to school is one of the easiest changes families can make that deliver real benefits for communities.
It helps children stay active, reduces traffic and can save families money. Our walking buses are also great and bring communities together, giving children a safe, enjoyable and healthy start to the school day while building confidence and independence.
Drivers can also play their part in helping keep children safe on the way to and from school. Traffic can be heavier during drop-off and pick up times during mornings and afternoons and we would always urge drivers to be extra careful and be considerate. People should also drive and park responsibly particularly when near our schools.”
The county has around 24 Walking Bus Routes either running or planned, which involve groups of children and parents meeting at an agreed location before walking together to school along a designated route. As well as being a fun and sociable way to travel, walking buses can help children develop road safety awareness and confidence under adults’ supervision.
More than 50 schools also have school travel plans that highlight safer walking routes to and from school. Outwoods Primary School in East Staffordshire have won the prestigious “National School Travel Awards” for their commitment to using more active modes of travel.
People can Learn more about the School Travel team on its website.
