Government invests in scheme to encourage children to walk to school

The funding will help walking charity Living Streets extend its Walk to School Outreach programme to more than 1,000 primary schools across the country.

In 2019-2020 the Walk to School Outreach programme saw walking to school rates increase by 40% for new schools that took part – with increased walking rates sustained for existing project schools.

Cycling and walking minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Walking can improve our health, ease traffic and help clean up our environment, so we’re proud to be investing in Living Streets’ vital campaign to get more children walking to school.

“This initiative has already inspired thousands of youngsters and their families to adopt greener active travel habits that will last a lifetime and I’m delighted that this funding will help enable thousands more.”

Mary Creagh, chief executive of Living Streets, added: “It’s vital that we scale up for walking to build back better for children and families after a difficult year.

“Living Streets’ walk to school programme is increasing the number of children walking to school and reducing cars, congestion and air pollution around school gates. This funding will help more pupils enjoy the fresh air, freedom and fun that walking to school brings.”

The funding has helped Living Streets celebrate Walk to School week (17-21 May 2021) by supporting the distribution of challenge packs to schools across the country to get involved.