School Travel Events

Walk to School Month: May

20th - 24th May 2013

Thousands of children, parents and teachers are encouraged to walk to school during Walk to School Month in May.

Walking to school helps children to build confidence and independence by finding their own way to school. The school journey is an opportunity for children to learn important skills such as crossing the road and using signs and landmarks to help them find their way.

Whether it was organising a walking bus or cycling train, joining the national 'Walk to School' campaign or writing poetry, playing games, learning about road safety, painting or drawing, all the schools in Clackmannanshire got involved in 'Walk to School Month'

Safety training - Children who walk to school develop both vital road safety skills and personal safety awareness.
Congestion reduction - Many parents say that the reason that their children do not walk to school is because of road danger. In reality, 1 in 5 of the cars on our roads in the morning are on a school run. With fewer cars dropping children at school gates there is also a reduction in pollution and less chance of children being injured at school gates.
Healthy Lifestyles - As a nation we are less physically active than ever before. Department of Health guidelines suggest that children are active for 60 minutes each day. The walk to school is a perfect opportunity for children and parents alike to increase physical activity levels. Active children become active adults.
On the ball at school - Studies have found that children who have walked to school settle down to morning lessons more quickly than those who have been driven by car. Walkers tend to be more alert and energised.
Opportunities for fun and friendship - Walking to school allows parents and children to spend quality time together, talking about friends and plans for the day. As children get older walking to school provides time for playing and a chat with friends before lessons begin.
Learning while you walk - Children learn more than road safety as they walk to school. They may notice changes to the world around them, whether it be the change from one season to the next or the opening of a new shop.

"Walk your way", it might change the rest of your life.