To mark National Walk to School Week, Barratt Developments Scotland encouraged schools in Scotland to ditch vehicles and get involved in a number of mini-challenges and games during their walk to school.
Last year, over 750 schools across the UK took part in Walk to School Week, aimed at making pupils experience first-hand the importance of walking to school.
To coincide with the week, Barratt Homes donated 500 high-vis wristbands and bag charms to pupils at Wallyford school. The items were proudly worn during the pupil’s end of term trip.
It comes as part of Barratt Developments Scotland’s, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, commitment to supporting children to enjoy their surroundings on their walk to school as they walk over newly completed road at nearby St Clements Wells development in Wallyford.
“Working in partnership with Barratt to provide opportunities for safe travel as well as allowing our children to feel connected in their community.”
Anne Ross, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “We always try to encourage more people to get outside and connect with nature, whether that be sitting in their garden or walking to school instead of using transport.
“We hope the safety accessories we donated to pupils at Wallyford Primary school have helped encourage the school to enjoy their walk to school as they get some fresh air and connect with the surrounding nature on their walk.”
For more information on St Clement Wells or Barratt Developments in the East of Scotland, visit Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit:
Pupils from Edinburgh and Scottish Borders schools joined MSPs outside Scottish Parliament to celebrate Walk to School Week yesterday (17 May 2023).
Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking as part of their National Walking Month campaign each May.
Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
Over 250 schools in Scotland signed up to receive special Walk to School Week packs from Living Streets, joining 356,000 pupils across the UK to learn about the important reasons to walk to school and the difference it can make to individuals, communities and the planet.
WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who travel actively at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a WOW badge.
WOW schools see on average a 5 -10% increase in pupils walking to school in Scotland with a corresponding drop in car use, helping to reduce congestion and increase safety outside the school gates.
Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland said:“Walk to School Week is an excellent opportunity for families to give walking to school a go. Walking our short journeys helps us stay healthy, while reducing traffic, pollution and road danger on our local streets.
“We’re delighted that so many of our schools were able to join us to celebrate the great strides Scottish pupils are making to get more active and tackle the climate emergency.”
Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Active Travel said:“I’m pleased to support Walk to School Week. Walking to school is a simple step that many young people and their parents and carers can make for a healthier and happier start to the day – with each step improving health and taking climate action.
“More people walking or wheeling means fewer cars, less congestion and safer environments for everyone to enjoy – both outside the school gates and beyond. I hope many people who try making the change during Walk to School Week will find that it’s a change they want to stick with, every week of the year.
“I’m grateful to the pupils from various local schools that took the time to walk to the Scottish Parliament, helping encourage even more people to choose active and sustainable travel.”
Christine Grahame MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale said:“It’s great to see Living Streets actively encouraging our primary school pupils to walk more and reduce congestion at the school gates and in built-up areas, especially during Walk to School Week!
“Walking is so important for young bodies and minds; the WOW Challenge is a great incentive to get pupils and their parents walking and actively travelling”.
Living Streets celebrated Walk to School Week with a group of Edinburgh and Borders schoolchildren taking a trip to the Scottish Parliament on the 17th of May, where MSPs were invited to join in on the festivities.
Foysol Choudhury MSP for Lothian Region said:“I am pleased to be supporting Walk to School Week once again this year. It is a great initiative that encourages families to change their school run habits and choose to walk to school instead.
“It is a healthy option that allows children and their parents or guardians to be more active, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and road safety. I hope this week will raise awareness of the importance of walking to school and various benefits to the community and environment and, will in turn motivate families to make walking to school a daily habit”.
Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire said:“It was great to join Living Streets outside the Scottish Parliament alongside pupils from Burnfoot Primary School.
“Living Streets is doing fantastic work in encouraging young people to walk to school and it is important we keep our children active and reduce congestion in built-up areas.”
Pupils in Scotland celebrated national Walk to School Week (16-20 May) with a series of events and a special guest.
Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
Pupils at schools in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Shetland, Stirling, Moray, Orkney, Renfrewshire, Thurso and Wick were joined by Strider, the Living Streets mascot for a series of events to celebrate Walk to School Week.
Living Streets is working with Scotland schools to deliver WOW – the walk to school challenge in over 120 schools.
WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who travel actively at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a WOW badge.
Chris Thompson, Schools Manager, Living Streets Scotland said:“Walk to School Week is a fantastic excuse to celebrate the many social, health and environmental benefits that come from walking to school.
“Schools across Scotland are working really hard to get more active on the school run and reduce congestion outside the school gates. We were thrilled to take Strider along to meet some of the pupils swapping the school run for a school walk on what was Strider’s furthest visit north!”
Suzanne Carson Headteacher at Gilcomstoun School, Aberdeen City said: “It is wonderful to be part of a national campaign inspiring children to think about how they get to school while promoting their health, fitness, and mental welling which is a key focus area for our Eco Warriors and our Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors.
“As a city centre school we promote active travel – walk, scoot and if you need to come by bus or car, getting off the bus early or parking further away and striding the last part of your journey to school.
“We hope the enthusiasm for choosing greener ways to travel lasts beyond Walk to School week and that our pupils are encouraged to consider the importance of sustainable travel.”
Mrs Caroline Leask, Road Safety Lead, Sound Primary School, Shetland said:“Sound Primary School are delighted to be selected as Living Streets feature school and are thrilled to welcome Strider to launch the WOW challenge.
“Our pupils are enjoying taking part in the Walk To School challenge each day and earning their badges. The campaign has encouraged pupils to take more active journeys to and from school whilst also being ECO friendly in their travel options.”
Elaine Skinley, Road Safety Officer, Shetland Islands Council, said:“The WOW walk to school resource is great for schools as it increases active travel and encourages pupils to walk to and from school.”
Pupils in Scotland are celebrating national Walk to School Week (16 – 20 May) with a series of events and a special guest.
Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. Families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
Pupils at schools in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Shetland, Stirling, Moray, Orkney, Renfrewshire, Thurso and Wick are being joined by Strider, the Living Streets mascot for a series of events to celebrate Walk to School Week.
Living Streets is working with Scotland schools to deliver WOW – the walk to school challenge in over 120 schools.
WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who travel actively at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a WOW badge.
Chris Thompson, Schools Manager, Living Streets Scotland said:“Walk to School Week is a fantastic excuse to celebrate the many social, health and environmental benefits that come from walking to school.
“Schools across Scotland are working really hard to get more active on the school run and reduce congestion outside the school gates. We’re thrilled to be taking Strider along to meet some of the pupils swapping the school run for a school walk on what will be Strider’s furthest visit north!”
Mrs Caroline Leask, ‘Road Safety Lead Teacher’, Sound Primary School, Shetland said:“Sound Primary School are delighted to be selected as Living Streets feature school and are thrilled to welcome Strider to launch the WOW challenge.
“Our pupils are enjoying taking part in the Walk To School challenge each day and earning their badges. The campaign has encouraged pupils to take more active journeys to and from school whilst also being ECO friendly in their travel options.”
The Scottish Government announced record investment in active travel for 2022-23 yesterday. This includes new funding for footpaths, significantly increased funding for local authorities and more than doubling the funding to the National Cycle Network.
Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking will receive £555k in 2022/23. The Transport Scotland funding will see the charity work with over 450 schools to run its walk to school programme, which successfully increases walking rates and decreases congestion levels.
It will also allow work to continue on ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’, to ensure local facilities are within a safe and pleasant walking distance.
Commenting on Thursday’s announcement from Patrick Harvie MSP in the Scottish Parliament, Stuart Hay, Director Living Streets Scotland said: “Today is an important milestone in helping to turn Scotland into a more active, healthy and sustainable nation. We are pleased steps are being made to give walking, wheeling and cycling a reasonable share of transport budgets.
“We are thrilled to receive additional support to grow our work in Scotland, including plans to reach over 450 primary schools, high schools and nurseries. These projects will aim to boost walking to school and reduce car journeys by 10%.
“With extra resources we hope to work in every Scottish local authority area on programmes such WOW – our walk to school challenge and Walk to School Week. These projects will contribute towards Scotland’s ambitious national targets to reduce road traffic by 20%. Nowhere is this needed more than outside schools.
“We look forward to working with other partners including Cycling Scotland, Sustrans Scotland and Paths for all to address the very real challenges of creating good walking environments at a local level.”
New research reveals nearly two thirds (67%) of people in Scotland support car-free zones outside schools to help more families walk to school.
It comes ahead of Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (17-21 May) when thousands of children will take to their feet for the journey to school.
New research reveals the majority of people in Scotland are in favour of measures to make it easier for families to walk to school.
Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking carried out the research ahead of national Walk to School Week (17 – 21 May 2021).
The YouGov poll found that nearly two thirds of people in Scotland (67%) support car-free zones outside schools, with support also for safer crossings (57%), a ban on pavement parking (55%) and lower speed limits (47%).
One in four cars on Britain’s roads at peak times are on the school run, generating half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The charity is urging families to leave the car at home for the journey to school and is urging local authorities to make it easier for families to choose cleaner, sustainable travel.
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:“We’ve seen the huge improvements on offer to health and air quality when we drive less and walk more. We need to ensure families feel safe and confident to walk to school so we can keep enjoying these benefits.
“We work in over 2,000 schools across the UK and parents tell us they are put off walking because of speeding vehicles, unsafe crossings and cars parked on pavements. By making school streets car free, we remove those barriers – and our new research shows that most people back these changes.
“We want at least one School Street – closed to traffic at drop off and pick up times – in every ward to help more families enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that walking to school brings.”
Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during Walk to School Week (17 – 21 May 2021).
Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking as part of their National Walking Month campaign each May.
Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
New research from YouGov shows majority of parents want safer crossings and 20mph speed limits;
Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking, is encouraging families to ditch their cars for the school run for Walk to School Week
New research from Living Streets released for Walk to School Week (5 – 9 October 2020) reveals the majority of Scottish parents support measures to make walking safer and easier.
The YouGov survey[1] found support from Scottish parents for car-free zones outside schools (61%), safer crossings (54%) and20mph speed limits (51%).
In Scotland, 61 per cent of parents want to see a ban on pavement parking compared with 47 per cent of parents GB-wide, while 48 per cent support efforts to reduce rat-running.
The parents polled believed the biggest benefits of walking to school for their children were being physically fitter (90%), getting fresh air (88%), reducing congestion (68%) and being cost-free (61%). Respondents also commented that physical distancing “is easier when walking” and that walking to school allowed their children to learn road safety and independence skills.
Despite these benefits, less than half (41%) of primary school children in Scotland currently walk to school[2]. Living Streets is campaigning for action to encourage families to choose to walk, scoot or cycle to school.
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets, said: “Every child should be able to walk to school safely, and enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that it brings. It’s clear from our research that parents see the benefits, but concerns around rat runs and air pollution are putting them off.
“Across the country, there is a silent majority of parents in favour of safer crossings and slower speeds, but too often, their voices are drowned out by a vocal minority who often live outside the area.
“It’s vital that we scale up for walking, to protect children and families from the physical and social isolation the pandemic has brought, and to tackle the twin epidemics of loneliness and obesity.”
Stuart Hay, Director, Living Streets Scotland, said:“We need to put measures in place to make walking a viable option for families. We know from our work with schools across Scotland that families are put off walking to school by traffic, road danger and air pollution. By removing cars, we remove these barriers.
“We need to put our children’s health first, especially during the current pandemic, and we must address the problems caused by inactivity, air pollution and road danger.”
Walk to School Week is a five-day walking challenge in which children are encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot every day of the week and share their experiences with classmates through interactive activity packs.
The challenge is a stepping stone to WOW – the year-round walk to school challenge from Living Streets which sees walk to school rates increase by 23 per cent on average, with a 30 per cent reduction in cars around the school gates.
[1]All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4223 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th – 18th September 2020. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
[2]41 per cent of children walk or cycle to primary school in Scotland, Hands Up Scotland Survey, Sustrans
