THE START of a new school year is a chance to save some money on fuel costs – by walking to lessons, rather than taking the car.
Charity Living Streets has launched its biggest-ever walk to school campaign, spearheaded by CBBC presenter Dr Ronx.
With rising fuel prices and cost of living, the charity is advocating walking to school to save money.
It says that a generation ago, 70% of primary school-aged children walked to school, but now it’s around half, despite the majority living within two miles of their nearest place of learning.
Latest figures show that nearly one in five (17%) car journeys to primary school are distances of under one mile.
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “The start of a new academic year is the perfect opportunity to try something new. And making small changes can help alleviate some of the rising living costs we are all facing and help the environment.
“Most people live within walking distance of their nearest primary school. Leaving the car at home for short trips, such as the school journey, could save hundreds of pounds over the year. At the same time, families will benefit from the health benefits of being active and the social benefits of spending time together.”
Living Streets is being supported this year by children television presenter, Dr Ronx, who has joined the charity as the celebrity ambassador for WOW – their walk to school challenge.
The CBBC presenter and emergency doctor will support the initiative across the 2022-23 academic year.
WOW sees pupils who walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school at least once a week for a month rewarded with a WOW badge.
Living Streets says that WOW schools typically see walking rates increase by 23% with a 30% reduction in cars at the school gates.
Dr Ronx said: “With notable increases in air pollution, rising childhood inactivity and post-lockdown poor mental health, encouraging children to be more active and ditching school run drives for more sustainable modes of transport is imperative.”
For more details, log on to: livingstreets.org.uk/walktoschool
