National Walk to School Week 2022
17 May 2022
Walk to School Week (16 – 20 May 2022) is a national event designed to raise awareness of the health benefits of walking to and from school. It’s also a great way to celebrate National Walking Month this May.
Getting fresh air and exercise first thing in the morning helps children feel refreshed and energised, so they’re more alert and ready to start the school day. As well as keeping their bodies healthy, walking promotes positive mental health, helping to boost children’s mood and self-esteem.
The Council’s Road Safety team is encouraging all local schools to take part in Walk to School Week. As well as the benefits listed above, walking to school with your children will give you screen-free family time, reduce the stress of getting stuck in traffic and hunting for a parking space when you arrive, it saves money, and it’s better for the environment too. If you live too far away from school to walk, park up five minutes away, and complete the rest of your journey on foot.
In line with its Climate Emergency Response Plan, the Council encourages residents of the borough to walk more and take fewer car journeys, thus reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, has put together a five-day walking challenge for primary schools. This year’s theme is #PowerUp. Pupils will be engaged through a video game-inspired design, encouraging them to travel sustainably to school every day of the week. Click here if your school would like to get involved with National Walk to School Week and take the #Power Up five-day challenge.
