WoW puts the right foot forward

A new initiative is being piloted in six London Boroughs to encourage parents and pupils to walk to and from school at least once a week throughout the school year.

The WoW (Walk On Wednesdays) pilot, devised by the national Walk To School campaign and Transport for London, is based on two schemes that are already working effectively in South Gloucestershire and the London Borough of Richmond. Approximately 10,000 pupils across London launched the pilot.

Becoming a WoW school requires the commitment of parents, pupils and teachers to leave the car at home at least one day a week.

"Research tells us that the number of pupils walking to school increases by approximately 33 per cent during National Walk To School Weeks," explained Jo Pike, campaign co-ordinator, Living Streets. "'Wow' aims to maintain at least some of this increase throughout the school year. We really hope that local authorities and schools alike see the benefits of regular promotion of walking for school journeys."

WoW will launch nationally in January 2005 via local authorities.

Further information is available by emailing Jo Pike:
jo@livingstreets.org.uk