October is International Walk To School month – you can talk the talk, but can you now walk the walk?!
This October will see the annual International Walking To School Month initiative urging children, parents and communities worldwide to engage in the simple act of traversing a route to school on foot!
The initiative, backed by Living Streets – a UK charity that’s promoted pedestrian safety since its inception in 1929 – aims to promote physical activity, environmental care, and community engagement, with our pupils front and centre!
Environmental
Sustainability is a core benefit of walking to school. The reduction in car trips during International Walk to School Month decreases traffic congestion and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
If half of the schoolchildren in a given community walked or biked to school, it could potentially reduce the traffic and pollution associated with school commutes by up to 25%, contributing not only to a healthier planet but also fostering safer, cleaner neighbourhoods.
Health
Walking to school provides significant health benefits for children, and physical activity is crucial for their development.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), youngsters should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical movement daily.
Instead of hitching a lift, walking contributes to this goal as well as helping combat the rising rates of childhood obesity and associated health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
In addition, studies show that regular exercise, such as walking to school every day, improves concentration, behaviour, and academic performance, making children more alert and ready to learn.
Social
Travelling to school on foot enhances social interactions and bonding as children walking together can develop friendships, social skills and a sense of independence.
The Stats
Over the past few years, participation in the project has been positive. In 2019, over 40 countries participated, engaging millions of students and their families, and the UK saw over 500,000 extra walking trips by children to and from school.
In 2020, Living Streets supported 150 local authorities in improving pedestrian infrastructure, and the following year, 700,000 children took part. Permanent road safety measures were implemented at 200 schools in 2021, and another 100,000 additional kids joined the movement last year.
The average school walk is just under a mile, equating to around 6,000 steps a day (each way) and 240,000 over the month, saving almost 20 miles driving – that’s 8kg of CO2 emissions now not occurring!
More than just a campaign, the month of October kickstarts a movement towards healthier lifestyles, environmental responsibility and stronger communities… and it all begins with a simple walk!
