Commuting to work or school on foot is by far the most sustainable way to travel. If you currently drive to work, you can save yourself money on fuel and parking by walking.

The benefits of walking

Walking to work or school on foot is by far the most sustainable way to travel, it also has many benefits that can:

• reduce the chance of you developing a range of diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
• maintain a healthy weight
• improve your self-esteem
• reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
• improve the quality of your sleep
• save you money on fuel and parking

The guidelines recommend that adults should aim to be active daily, and over a week should do at least 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate intensity activity (such as brisk walking).

Walk to School

In conjunction with Walk to School Week, we hold an annual competition to see which school has the highest percentage of children walking to school.

All participating schools will receive a walk to school week living streets pack for each class, with reward stickers to celebrate the children's efforts.

There is no set age when children can walk to school on their own, and most children of school age should be able to walk for 20 minutes (about 1 mile in distance).

Parents should walk with their child to assess whether they can make the journey independently and are able to cross roads safely. Alternatively, get together with friends and neighbours to walk in a group.

If you live too far from the school or the office, consider driving part of the way.