Walking to school

Walking to school is great fun and also good for the environment:

• It is sociable! Lots of your friends will be walking to school, so you can catch up with them on your way in.

• It’s good for the environment! Walking to school reduces the number of cars on the road and helps reduce air pollution and global warming.

• It’s a great way to exercise! The NHS recommends we get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day – walking contributes to this.

• It’s not that far! Most parents/guardians worry that school is too far away, but on average in the UK children in primary school walk 1.2 miles (13-minute walk). If they can do it, so can you!

Tops tips

1. Make sure you wear the right equipment: use high-visibility equipment so that everyone can see you, especially in winter when it’s dark. Your school may provide you with this or you could win it as part of competitions.
2. Ask your school about Walking Buses: these are a fun way to travel to school with your friends. It runs exactly like a normal bus, with a timetable and agreed stops, only you’re walking!
3. Get involved in other cool activities: these could include a Walk Once Weekly Challenges or Walk to School Week. Keep up to date via the school newsletter and announcements.