Council encourages walk to school as a way to get fit

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 18 January 2007

Bury Council is looking to encourage more schools to set up a walking bus as a way of keeping fit, reducing traffic around the school gates and tackling climate change.

To start from April 2007, schools initiating a "School Travel Plan’ can apply for a grant to help them achieve their aim, approximately £5k for Primary Schools, £10k for secondary schools). Every school in the borough must have an authorised Travel Plan by 2010.

The council’s school travel plan advisor Jayne Stuart said: "Walking to school is a really good way to avoid the early morning stress, trying to fight your way through traffic and locate a parking space can be a nightmare for most parents. Exercise releases endorphins which will make you feel more upbeat and alert not to mention the fact that a brisk one-mile walk to school and back burns 150 calories"

Walking to school is also a great way to meet new people. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults who walk their children to school think it’s a better way of meeting new people than going to pubs, clubs or supermarkets.

Another great benefit of making the change is that it can dramatically cut household costs. "The school run costs families on average £276 a year in petrol and car maintenance so making the change can make even more sense if you have overspent this Christmas," continued Jayne.

So far this year Bury Council has recruited 20 schools to take part in the national WOW (Walk once a Week or Walk on Wednesdays) campaign which encourages walking to school as a healthier, more environmentally friendly option.

There is room for five more schools to take part and the scheme can start straight away or in the spring. A quick hands up survey carried out at the start of the day by the teacher will establish how many children have either walked to school, parked away from the school and walked at least the last five minutes or cycled to school. Each qualifies for one point as the pupil has made an effort to take a healthier journey to school. The class to make the most effort gets awarded a WOW trophy for a length of time which is decided by the school.

Councillor Tim Chamberlain, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "Walking to school with your children is an excellent way of spending more quality time together". According to statistics, almost 40% of adults feel they’re missing out on catching up with children by not walking them to school. Tim continued "Sometimes it seems there is never enough time to do what you want in the day, but by taking the time to be with your kids at the start at end of the day you can give them some quality time and listen to what they have been doing during the school day."

 For more information contact Jayne Stuart, School Travel Advisor Tel. 0161 253 7451