Schools across North East Lincolnshire are signed up and united for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week – the annual campaign aiming to encourage greater use of sustainable transport options.
The North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, ENGIE, are continuing to support the campaign and working with local schools taking part, encouraging their students to walk, scoot or cycle to school. This year, Walk to School Week takes place from 17 to 21 May.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “Walk to School Week is a campaign we are proud to support and have done for many years.
“Walking to school has numerous health and environmental benefits for both children and parents. I would encourage parents to take advantage of a week when many more will be travelling sustainably and experience the benefits for yourself by getting your children walking, cycling or scooting to school.
“We are continuing to work with our partner, ENGIE, securing funding and bringing additional sustainable transport infrastructure and initiatives into the area, demonstrating our commitment as a local authority to a greener and more sustainable future. Supporting our schools with Walk to School Week also shows our commitment to the Government’s green industrial revolution plan, encouraging a higher uptake in cycling and walking and showcasing the benefits.
“Walk to School Week is an ideal opportunity to discover the advantages of sustainable transport for yourself and your family.”
Schools taking part in the week will also be using Living Streets’ Walk to School Week classroom packs, filled with activities to complete on the way to school and in the classroom.
Each day, children will be introduced to a brand new ‘Walking Superpower’ taking the form of a fun comic-book inspired design and in keeping with the theme this year of walking superpowers. ‘Super Strong’, ‘Super Smart’, ‘Super Smiley’, ‘Super Safe’ and ‘Super Sustainable’ will teach school children about the benefits of being active and reinforce the power of walking. Daily reward stickers and special reward badges are up for grabs at the end of the week for those who travelled actively every day.
More information about Walk to School Week is available at www.livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw
Walking to school tips:
- Check your child’s footwear is comfortable and appropriate for walking
- Make sure your child’s school bag isn’t too heavy – this could lead to back problems and poor posture
- If you live far away from the school, try combining alternative methods of transport with walking part of the way
- Make walking fun and enjoyable – chat about local surroundings and encourage your child to talk about their school day
- It is up to the parent/carer to decide when your child is old enough to walk to school alone or with friends. Always make sure your child is familiar with the route and keeps in contact with you should they be late home.
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