Philip Dunne MP encourages local pupils to stride out this Walk to School Week
This May, families across the UK will be leaving their cars at home and taking part in National Walking Month. Walking organisations Living Streets and Walk England are joining forces to promote walking and help people get out and about on foot.
As part of the month, children across the Ludlow Constituency will be saying goodbye to the school run and striding out for Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (16 – 20 May) and local MP Philip Dunne, joined pupils walking to St Laurence CE Primary School to celebrate the week.
Over the past two decades, the number of children walking to school has dramatically dropped from 62% to 50%. 42% of children are driven to school in cars, despite the fact that the majority of primary school children live within a 20 minute walk of their school.
There are many good reasons for children to walk to school. Parents often underestimate the amount of physical activity their children require on a daily basis, as well as overestimate the amount of exercise they get during structured school PE lessons. With a quarter of secondary school children now classed as obese, the dangers of inactivity are clear. By encouraging children to be active in their daily life from an early age, parents can ensure that their children get the amount of exercise needed to stay fit and healthy.
National charity Living Streets, who work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, help over 2 million children walk to school every year thanks to their highly successful Walk to School campaign. This May, as part of National Walking Month, they encourage children, parents and teachers to leave their cars in the driveway and make the journey to school on foot.
Mr Dunne said: “I am pleased to be taking part in Living Streets’ Walk to School Week this year and hope that parents and children from across the Ludlow Constituency join me. Walking is key to fighting childhood obesity, but it can also be beneficial to children in other ways, helping them learn vital road safety skills, to interact with their local environment, to become ‘streetwise’ and develop independence.”
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said: “Walking to school is a brilliant way to get some physical activity and some fresh air into your day. When children are bundled from front door to car door, they miss out on the opportunity to socialise with friends, get to know their community, and burn off some energy before getting their heads down in the books.
“If we are to avoid the Government’s prediction of a quarter of our children being obese by 2050, we need to start making changes to our lifestyle now. We would love everyone who normally drives to use National Walking Month as an excuse to try walking. We think you’ll be amazed at how enjoyable a regular walk can be; a chance to spend real quality time together, and reap health rewards for all the family.”
Top Photo: Courtesy Shropshire Star
