The week ends, but long may the walking continue

Following this year’s National Walk to School Week (24-28 May), the joint organisers (Living Streets and TravelWise) are urging parents and pupils to keep walking to reap the benefits.

"We were pleased to see so many people leaving the car at home for Walk to School Week," says Jo Pike, Walk to School campaign co-ordinator. "What we want to do now is build on our success. We are urging parents and pupils to achieve healthier lifestyles and have lots more fun by walking to school on a regular basis."

With the threat of an obesity epidemic and concerns that children are too scared to play outdoors, regularly walking to school is clearly a positive step for many children.

Research from University College London found that children use more calories walking to and from school than they would by undertaking the recommended two hours of PE each week.

Walking a child to school regularly also enables a parent to spend time teaching their child vital road safety skills and personal safety awareness. It is inevitable that the time will come for every child when it is no longer ‘cool’ to be accompanied by an adult everywhere - and the child will want to make independent journeys. "Walking your child to school will prepare your child for these journeys," Jo Pike concludes.

For more information please contact Jo Pike 0207 8201010 or go to www.walktoschool.org.uk.