Why Walk to School?
Walking to school has many benefits for pupils, parents and society as a whole.
Promoting these benefits can help persuade more families to walk – different benefits will appeal to different people. What would work at your school?
Health
Regular exercise makes children healthier and reduces risk of obesity which can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
Road Sense
By walking to school children gain road-sense and are able to learn about risk and therefore how to look after themselves and be safe.
Ready to learn
Walking to school helps children to feel more wide awake for the start of the school day and therefore more ready to learn.
Good mental health
Research shows that walking helps children sleep well and be less stressed which makes them happier.
Safety
By reducing the number of cars travelling to school, the roads in the area become safer for everyone, especially around the school gates.
Social and Independent
Walking to school is sociable for children and helps them become more independent and gives them a chance to feel the benefits of walking so they are then encouraged to walk every day.
Pollution
Is reduced if more children walk. Air quality and particulate matter are especially relevant in our cities.
Attendance and punctuality
Some walk to school schemes can lead to improved attendance and punctuality which leads to improved learning.
Happy neighbours
The more children who walk, the fewer cars there will be blocking neighbours’ drives and causing frustration.
Start young
Regular walking from a young age means children grow up with this good healthy habit for life.