Did You Know…..   At the peak school travel time of 8.50am, nearly 1 in 5 cars on the urban roads are taking children to school.           (Source: National Travel Survey)   The proportion of 5-16 year olds going to school by car rose from 16% in 1985/6 to 28% in 1996/8; cycling fell from 4% to 1% and walking fell from 59% to 49%.                                 (Source: National Travel Survey)

The ‘Walk to School Week’ Campaign aims to raise awareness of the problems associated with car travel and the benefits of alternative methods of transport. Walking to school is a good way of keeping fit, helping the environment and learning vital road safety skills.

Health Benefits

Cars have a damaging impact on health through pollution, traffic injuries and they also encourage a more sedentary way of life.  Walking or cycling to school will not only produce health benefits but will also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment through reductions in pollution and congestion.  

For more information on the health benefits of walking or cycling to school see the www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk/healthy/healsch.html

What Can Your School Do?

Try developing a school travel plan to demonstrate your commitment to environmental and community concerns. The plan should set out measures to reduce the number of car trips made by parents, staff and pupils and to improve the safety of the journey to school.  Visit www.sustrans.org.uk for further details of safe routes to school and help with developing your own travel plan. If your school is interested in developing a school travel plan please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/safe-routes.

Walking bus

A 'Walking Bus' is the term used to describe any scheme where children are walked to school in an organised group, usually lead by volunteer parents.  A 'Walking Bus' can be incorporated into a school travel plan.  If your school is interested in setting up a walking bus, please contact your local road safety officer Angela Coomer on 01483 517568.