23 MAY 2005
TRAVELWISE NORTHERN IRELAND WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK (23-27 MAY 2005)
Pupils and parents are being encouraged by Roads Service to replace the 'school run' with the 'school walk'.
Travelwise Northern Ireland (NI) Walk to School Week is organised by the Department for Regional Development's Roads Service. It aims to promote the health, social and environmental benefits of children walking to school rather than being driven by their parents to the school gates.
It is estimated at 8.50am on weekday mornings during term time, one fifth of cars on our roads are taking children to school. This week thousands of primary and secondary school children will experience the benefits of walking by taking part in a variety of Walk to School activities before, during and after class time.
Stephen Hewitt, Roads Service's Safer Routes to Schools co-ordinator, said: "This week we are encouraging pupils and parents who have never walked to school to give it a try. The health benefits of walking are well proven.
"The Health Promotion Agency advises school children to take at least one hour of physical activity every day. By walking to and from school most children would be well on their way to their first hour.
"There are also important environmental benefits to be gained from a reduction in car use for the school journey. Congestion at the school gates would reduce, resulting in less exhaust pollution, improved air quality and a safer environment for all making the journey.
"Walking is fun and the Walk to School Week programme is very much about getting school communities together to enjoy walking while at the same time hitting home with some powerful and thought provoking messages on the impact of the school run."
Some of the activities schools are taking part in as part of Walk To School week include organised walks to school, picking up litter walks, walks to parks and walking picnics.
Information about Travelwise NI's activities with Schools, Commuters and Employers can be found on the website www.travelwiseni.com or from the Roads Service Travelwise NI Information line, Tel: 08453870908.
Media queries to Ross Williamson, Inform Communications, Tel: 028 90 233550, mobile: 0773 482107.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
NI Walk to School Week is promoted and supported by the Travelwise NI initiative led by the Department for Regional Development's, Roads Service and supported by Travelwise partner organizations, Department of Education, DOE Road Safety, Health Promotion Agency, Translink and Sustrans. The initiative aims to highlight the health, financial and environmental benefits of sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing.
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