Walk this way

CHILDREN and parents across Warrington are being encouraged to walk to school next week, as part of the Walk to School campaign.

The campaign (19-23 May) is asking parents, pupils and teachers to think about their journey to and from school and the many benefits of making it on foot.

Here in Warrington, we are supporting the campaign with uor very own scheme - Walk to School Warrington. This is being actively promoted by the council’s Travel Plan and road safety teams and by our partners in the healthy schools team.

Younger children are being given the opportunity to take part in the road safety team’s Teddy Takes a Walk Campaign by receiving a book which tells the story the day Teddy went out for a walk with Billy. 

It explains how and why to keep safe when near to roads, and gives examples of places to cross. 

Taking part in Walk to School Week can:

·       Reduce congestion and traffic around the school.

·       Make school entrances more pleasant and safer environments; and

·       Encourage children to develop healthy lifestyles and tackle obesity.

Good reasons to walk include:

S = safety training-walking regularly with a child from a young age enables them to develop life skills; preparing children with road safety and personal awareness skills.

C = congestion reduction - fewer cars on our roads is good for the environment and local communities; fewer cars at the school gate can make it safer for pupils making their way to and from school.

 
H = health benefits - walking to and from school allows adults and children to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

O = on the ball at school-pupils who walk to school arrive wide awake and are therefore more prepared for the school day ahead.

O = our fun and friendship - friends and family can walk to and from school together and enjoy some quality time.

L = learning for life - walking regularly enables a child to become more familiar with their surroundings and provides them with the opportunity to learn about the weather and changing seasons first hand.

Ends

For more information on the 2008 campaign log on to: http://www.walktoschool.org.uk/

Issued by:      Gina Coldrick, Press Officer

Date:               Tuesday 13 May 2008

Release:        Immediate