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Categories: Schools   Transport   

As October rolls in, it’s officially International Walk to School Month!

 

What is International Walk to School Month?

International Walk to School Month gives children, parents, school teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking. Walkers from around the world walk to school together for various reasons — all hoping to create communities that are safe places to walk.

What are the benefits of of walking to school for a month?

  • Happier children – It’s been proven that children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk before school, do better in class because they arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn.
  • Less congestion – During morning peak traffic times, one in five cars on the road are taking children school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions.
  • Cleaner air – The school run alone is responsible for generating half a million tonnes of CO2 per year (which is more than some small countries!).

Living Streets have created an interactive ‘WOW Travel Tracker’, which allows children to self-report how they get to school everyday. On average schools that sign up to use the WOW travel tracker, see a 30% reduction in car journeys! You can find the tracker here.

(all information taken from Living Streets & Iwalktoschool.org)

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