Latest statistics show that the number of children walking to school in Scotland continues to decline. 42 per cent of children usually walk to school now, compared to 48 per cent just ten years ago.
Living Streets Scotland is the charity behind the national walk to school programme.
Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland comments: “This decline is the result of a lot of local factors, including school mergers creating larger catchment areas and parents being concerned about safety around the school gates. However, it’s a decline which can – and should – be reversed.
“Schools in the 22 Scottish local authorities taking part in WOW – our year-round walk to school challenge are seeing significant increases in the number of children walking to school.
“All local authorities need to be investing in projects which promote the benefits of walking, as well as better infrastructure around schools in terms of crossings, speed limits and well-maintained footways, so that more families can enjoy the benefits of walking to school.
“Local authorities and schools must start working together to make it possible for families to choose active travel.”
Living Streets’ research released ahead of last month’s Walk to School Week shows that over half of parents (58%) in Scotland are concerned about the health issues air pollution causes their children; nearly a third (31%) would take pollution levels into account when choosing a school for their child; a quarter (25%) have been put off walking their children to school because of the poor air quality; and one in five Scottish parents (19%) hold the misconception that children are protected from air pollution inside the car..
Living Streets is calling for local authorities to prioritise cutting air pollution – alleviating congestion and providing a safer walking environment by introducing measures such as school street closures, Park & Stride sites and reduced traffic speeds around schools.
Parents can join Living Streets Scotland in making the walk to school safer and more enjoyable by downloading Living Streets’ Family Walk to School Kit: https://www.livingstreets.org.
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