It’s walk to school month!

October is celebrated as International Walk to School Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging parents to do the school run on foot and start to feel the benefits for both them and their children.
By Nichola Neill
Published 1st Oct 2015, 11:00 BST

Statistics show almost three-fifths (59%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while only 31% walk, 10% travel by bus and 1% cycle.

Among post-primary pupils, almost half (46%) travel to or from school by bus, 30% are driven by car and 22% of pupils walk to/from school, while 2% take the train.

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Local schools, if you are taking part in the initiative why not send us your pictures, email [email protected], or [email protected].

The PHA, along with the Department for Regional Development, also has in place an Active Schools Travel programme. The programme works with Sustrans NI to enable more pupils to walk, cycle or scoot to school rather than taking a lift in the car with their parents. It has been going from strength to strength since it began in 2013 and this year is engaging with almost 200 schools.

For more information on the Active Schools Travel programme and to find out how to get involved visit www.sustrans.org.uk/northern-ireland

Related topics:StatisticsPHA