Walking to school is a good way for you to start the day, it helps to develop healthy bones and keep you fit. It’s also a good time to catch up with friends before school begins and done regularly can make you a safer pedestrian than those who travel by car. If you are unsure, would just like to know more or want to reassure worried parents, road safety officers can give pedestrian training to you and an adult.
- Walking buses
These buses are organised by your school, using volunteers to walk along designated routes. On the way are ‘bus stops' where more children join.
- Walk to school events
Schools can take part in Nationally run events through the 'Living Streets' website. www.livingstreets.org.uk.
- Park and stride
Your school may organise a park and stride where parents with permission park in a suitable location, (such as a supermarket car park) and then walk the rest of the way with you. This is also great for exercise and will help reduce the amount of cars near your school gates.
As well as road safety we want you to feel safe walking to and from school. Make sure your route is safe. Busy country roads which don’t have a footpath are not always suitable routes for walking. Avoid unlit shortcuts in the dark winter months. Enjoy the walk but don’t take unnecessary risks.
Help us to help you
We do our best to make sure paths are in good repair, clean and free from obstruction. We’ve installed pelican, puffin and zebra crossings to make it safe to cross the road and we have lowered kerbs to make it easier for wheelchairs or pushchairs. However, we need your help to make things even better. If your route to school is blocked by cars parking on the pavement or fouled by dogs or in any other way hazardous, we want you to tell us. You can
report the problem online or call us on 0845 603 7631.