22/5/2006 - Walk to school week - join the adventure

Hundreds of children will be making healthier journeys to school from today (Monday 22 May) with the start of Cumbria's Walk to school week.

Primary school children in Cumbria will join around two million others across the UK as part of the annual campaign.  This year the theme is 'join the adventure'.  Many more children than usual will be seen on their way to school experiencing the health benefits and learning more about road safety.

Around 45 schools in Cumbria are taking part in the week.  Each school has received a resources pack which includes incentives and rewards for the children taking part.  

Favourites amongst the children are the bright stickers they receive every time they forego an unnecessary car trip to school.

Research shows that children are increasingly afraid to go outdoors.  Traffic danger is the main reason but children are also scared of strangers, terrorism and getting dirty. 

Walk to school week is part of Cumbria County Council's Better Ways to Schools project, delivered for the council by Capita. 

County councillor Philip Chappelhow is the cabinet member for children's services.  He said: 

"For young, inquisitive minds, walking to school really can be quite an adventure.  It can be for parents and carers as well, and it is a good way of having some quality time with their children.  And, hopefully, a habit learnt in childhood will last a lifetime."

Judith Aris is the Walk to school co-ordinator.   She said: 

"Walking your primary age child to school is a safe way to introduce them to the 'great outdoors'.  You can teach them road safety and talk about what they can see around them.  

"Walking to school prepares children to travel independently when they are older and gives them confidence."