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Walk To School
We probably all know why we should walk to school, yet car journeys to school are up 20 per cent in last decade - but walking to school is down by 14 per cent.
Walking to school is healthier for both parents and children, will make us fitter and help combat the growing problem of childhood obesity. It is better for the environment every time we leave the car at home, and saves us money on both petrol and wear and tear. It is also safer than driving.
A 2004 report by car insurer MORE TH>N said that around 40 per cent of primary school children and 20 per cent of secondary school age are now driven to school every day. Furthermore, reducing the ‘school runs’ made by car by 10% could prevent 190 deaths and serious injuries a year. These startling statistics are a jolt even to those of us who are committed to walking to school already. In case you are wavering on the decision to get into the car, bear in mind that
’School run’ motor accidents cause almost 7,000 deaths and injuries a year with over 200 child deaths. That is one child killed on the school run every school day of the year.
There is lots of support for those wanting to walk, and those who want to encourage others to walk too. The Walking Bus Guide website is full of advice, practical tips and real life case studies to help you setting up and running your own walking bus. They also publish The Walking Bus Guide: A Reference Guide for Setting Up and Running a Walking Bus
The Walk to School scheme comprises a national Walk to School Week campaign along with encouragement to walk some or part of the way to school for the rest of the time.
The benefits of walking to school are too important to miss out on, and it’s ok if you cheat and take the car occasionally, walking to school should be a pleasure that you can enjoy with your children, not an endurance test if you have a bad back! If you see the way children delight in waving and catching up with their friends as they converge by foot on the school in the morning, you would not deny them this pleasure. Even a short walk to school can help a boisterous child work off enough energy to help them settle down for lessons, helping their concentration and increasing the likelihood of school success.
About The Author: Jacqui O'Brien is the editor of eParenting.
Updated 23rd Aug 2011
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