Roads and transport Road safety

Why walk or cycle?

Some of the benefits of a child walking or cycling to and from school:

  • Quieter, safer roads - having fewer cars around school makes it safer for parents and children to walk or cycle on their journey to and from school. Fewer cars also means less pollution;
  • Fitness and health - children need at least an hour of physical activity each day, and walking or cycling to school is a great way to get some of that exercise;
  • There are also concerns about the level of pollution children are exposed to when sitting inside cars in congested or slow-moving traffic. When planning a walking journey to school, it may be possible to find a route that is quiet or traffic-free, and walking through green spaces such as parks can make you feel calmer and happier;
  • Concentration at school - children who are physically active on the way to school burn off some of their excess energy and are more able to settle down and focus well in lessons;
  • Road-safety skills - good habits learned young are learned well. Teaching children to walk safely to school will stand them in good stead for the rest of their life; and
  • Socialising and independence - walking together with others means that children will have extra time in the day to build friendships and feel comfortable around other people. It can also be a time for parents to talk to other parents.

Chris Boardman on walking and cycling

Chris is Greater Manchester's walking and cycling commissioner. Hear what he has to say about what he does and why it's important to get more people walking and cycling to school.

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See a transcript of Chris Boardman's interview.

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