His message came at the start of Walk to School Week 2007 - whose theme this year is “Save the Planet – One Step at a Time”. This week, 25,000 primary and secondary school children across 105 schools in the north will experience the benefits of walking by taking part in a variety of Walk to School activities before, during and after class time.
Travelwise NI Walk to School Week aims to promote the health, social and environmental benefits of children walking to school rather than being driven by their parents and all schools have been invited to participate.
The Minister said: “Every morning, many schools across the north, face congestion problems at the school gates. It’s alarming that many of those drivers live less than 10 minutes walking distance away from the school. With a little extra effort, we can start to reverse this trend. As fuel prices continue to rise and levels of traffic congestion and childhood obesity increase, walking to school for many is becoming a more attractive option. It is free, good for the environment and good for your health,’’ said Mr Murphy.
“As a first step I would encourage parents to try leaving the car at home one or two days a week, and consider walking, cycling or using public transport for the school journey. If that’s not an option then why not share the school run with other parents and car share.
“There are several important environmental benefits to be gained from using more sustainable transport alternatives. Reduced exhaust pollution, improved air quality and a safer environment for all. Such initiatives make a very positive contribution to the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy, which sets challenges for all of us with the aim of making our society more sustainable in economic social and environmental terms,” said Mr Murphy.
Travelwise NI Schools Co-ordinator Stephen Hewitt from Roads Service, said: “Since 1999 the number of pupils walking to school has decreased by six per cent to 20 per cent (source: Travel Survey Northern Ireland 03-05). During term time, approximately 20% of the cars on roads at 8.50am are taking children to school according to Roads Service statistics. Many of these are short and unnecessary journeys.
“This week we are encouraging pupils and parents to walk to school, particularly those who have not done so before and live within easy walking distance. The health and environmental benefits of walking are well proven.''
The Travelwise NI event is supported by the Department of Education, Department of the Environment Road Safety and the Health Promotion Agency.
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the Health Promotion Agency, advises children to exercise for an hour a day. He said: “Children in Northern Ireland are becoming more unfit. It is really important for children to be physically active as this can help with increased academic performance, enhance their self-esteem and contribute to positive mental health. Keeping fit will help reduce childhood obesity, possible chronic disease, and, ultimately, adult mortality. Walking to school is an enjoyable and easy way of achieving a healthier lifestyle.”
Schools can register or find out further information about Travelwise NI’s Walk to School Week on the Travelwise website 
or from the Travelwise NI information line Tel: 0845 387 0908.
Notes to Editors:
Schools from across the UK will also be participating in National Walk to School Week 2007 this week.
NI Walk To School Week (21-25 May) is promoted and supported by the Travelwise NI initiative led by the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service and supported by Travelwise partner organisations, the Department of Education, DOE Road Safety, Health Promotion Agency, Translink and Sustrans. The initiative aims to highlight the health, financial and environmental benefits of sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, car-sharing and public transport.
Schools that register for Walk to School Week and can demonstrate that they have participated in activities throughout the week will be entered into a prize draw for £500 to be used to promote sustainable travel in the school.
Media launch details:
Date: Monday 21st May
Time: 8.30 – 10.30am
Venue: St. Michael’s Primary School, Ravenhill Road, Belfast
Photo/film opportunities:
In support of the aims of Walk to School Week the school has also arranged a series of daily health and safety activities for pupils within school grounds throughout the week. The pupils will be using the ‘School Safety Zone’ infrastructure on the Ravenhill Road provided by the DRD Roads Service travelwise NI initiative through its Safer Routes to School programme.
Available interviewees:
Mr. Conor Murphy MP MLA, Minister for Regional Development
Stephen Hewitt, Travelwise NI Schools Coordinator;
Mrs. Nuala McCaughan, St. Michael’s Primary School;
Dr. Brian Gaffney, Health Promotion Agency
Also available for interview will be pupils and parents who walk to school and will be taking part in the walking event
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel 028 9054 0372 or Ross Williamson or Ursula Kelleher, Inform Communications on 028 9023 3550 or mobile 07734821070 (Ross) or 07739420949 (Ursula)
