55,000 school children step out for Walk to School Week

Transport Minister Conor Murphy today launched Travelwise Walk to School Week 2010 from 17-21 May, which will see around 55,000 school children swap the school run for the school walk.

Pupils from around 240 participating primary and post primary schools have signed up to put their best foot forward and learn all about the health, environmental and financial benefits offered by walking.

Launching the week-long series of activities at Belfast’s Stranmillis Primary School, the Minister Murphy, said: "With fuel costs reaching record highs, there really has never been a better time to consider walking instead of using the car. Every day we see heavy traffic at the start and end of the school day and hear about soaring childhood obesity levels. Walking to school provides an easy answer to these challenges.

"It is estimated that during the morning rush hour, 20% of the cars on our roads are taking children to school, we only need to look at how much clearer our roads are during the school holidays to appreciate how much of an impact the school run has. Taking children to school by car can be slower than walking and can also comprise safety - as heavy traffic congestion at the school gates poses a very real danger to children being dropped off.

"I know that walking to school every day is not possible for everyone but even walking once a week or walking part of the way can make a big difference. Many of the schools we work with have said many parents who live five minutes walk away still chose to drive their children to school. This impacts negatively on children’s health and the environment, and also forms bad habits for later life. I would therefore encourage families to seek alternatives to the car as much as possible and to get out and about and enjoy their walk to school, ensuring a brighter start to the day for everyone.”

Stranmillis Primary School Principal Tom Stewart said: "Like many primary schools here, we are situated in a highly residential area, which makes it difficult to deal with large volumes of traffic coming to and from the school. Many of our pupils live just a short distance away, and we are pleased to see a large number now walking to school.

“The benefits of walking to school regularly are clear. Children are more alert in the classroom and a reduction in traffic congestion makes the school much safer. Walking to school is an enjoyable and sociable way for children and parents to improve their health and fitness and have a positive impact on the environment. It is also a good opportunity to educate pupils about road safety. I would encourage other schools to take part in the initiative and introduce the benefits of walking to their pupils."

Commenting on the level of participation, Aileen Gault, Head of Travelwise NI, said: "We are delighted that so many schools have registered for Walk to School Week this year. When we launched this initiative in 2004, a few hundred pupils took part so it is in incredible achievement that in the last six years we have grown this figure to over 55,000, and it has become an annual fixture in the schools’ calendar. Throughout the week we are promoting the 'Go and Glow' theme, which we hope will encourage children and parents to enjoy the outdoors and get to know their surroundings, while safely walking to school. It is great to see the positive, healthy glow from all the children that have walked to school today, and we hope that pupils will continue to glow by making walking a part of their everyday routine."

For more information on Travelwise NI Walk to School Week or to register participation please visit the Travelwise website or call 0845 387 0908.

Notes to editors:

1. Travelwise NI is an initiative of the Department for Regional Development.
2. Schools here will join schools in the South and also across England, Scotland and Wales as they also participate in National Walk to School Week 2010, 17-21 May 2010.
3. The theme for this year’s initiative is, 'Go and Glow', reflecting the positive health and personal satisfaction benefits relating to walking and also promoting safety through visibility.
4. Schools that participate in Walk to School Week in the North will be eligible to win the ‘Travelwise NI Schools Time-Capsule’ to be presented during Travelwise NI Week in September and buried within school grounds.
5. Walk to School 2010 participant figures are based on school registrations and requests for Travelwise NI school resources for pupils.
6. Twenty per cent of traffic on the road at 8.50am is on the 'School Run' (Source: House of Commons, Education & Skills Committee).
7. Road Transport is responsible for 25% of CO2 in the atmosphere.
8. All media queries to: Lauren McCoy, Morrow Communications, Tel: 028 9039 3837 or Emma Flynn Davies, DRD Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0372