September 7, 2023

As schools return after the summer break, the Active Travel to School team are encouraging children, parents and carers to choose to walk, wheel or cycle to school. 

Going back to school can be a daunting time for many children and young people whether that be getting back into the school routine, moving classes or starting a new school. Choosing active travel such as walking, wheeling or cycling to school can help children arrive alert and ready to learn.

It’s also a great way to meet up with friends ahead of the school day which can help relieve some of those ‘Back to School’ feelings of anxiety and nerves.  For those families with children starting school for the first time, it’s a great chance to start some life-long active travel habits.

Jodie Laird, Active Travel to School Officer (Cumberland), said: “The first few weeks of going back to school are a great chance to start some new habits such as choosing active travel like walking or wheeling to school.  Even if you can’t manage every day, choosing active travel one or two days a week can really help to increase confidence and promotes mindfulness and helps to manage stress.  As a result, children arrive at school alert and ready to learn.”

The team have a number of initiatives for schools, parents and carers to join in with to help get more children walking, wheeling or cycling to school.  And with a fresh new Active Travel to School logo and new and updated resources the team are ready to support schools and communities.

Jennifer Free, Active Travel to School Officer (Westmorland and Furness), said: “We are delighted to launch our rebranded Active Travel to School programme to support schools, children, parents and carers with their Active Travel choices.  The new logo gives a modern, fresh feel and we have new resources to help schools raise awareness of the many benefits of walking, wheeling or cycling to school – not just health related but sustainable and environmental benefits too.”

Active Travel to School is supporting county and national campaigns throughout the 2023-24 academic year including Feet First – a termly challenge to help embed regular active travel habits on the school run. 

Contact your local officer for more details and to access the free resources here