Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

Central Bedfordshire pupils prepare for Walk to School Week

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Pupils throughout Central Bedfordshire will join thousands of children across the UK to celebrate the benefits of walking during Walk to School Week (17 to 21 May).

Walk to School Week 2021 logo

Children and their parents are being encouraged to swap four wheels for two feet by taking part in the five-day walking challenge, organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, as part of their National Walking Month campaign each May.

Families are encouraged to travel sustainably and either walk, cycle, scoot or "Park and Stride" for the whole week, to show them the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.

We'll be supporting local pupils by supplying a number of classes with Walk to School Week resource packs. Students will learn the importance of walking to school and collectively create the most walkable street imaginable.

This year’s theme will focus on the "walking superpowers" that benefit individuals, communities, and the planet. Each day pupils will be introduced to a brand new "Walking Superpower", taking the form of a fun comic-book inspired design and they will use fun and interactive wall charts and stickers to log their journeys.

Councillor Ian Dalgarno, our Executive Member for Community Services said:

Walk To School Week is something we are very happy to get involved with and which our schools have really enjoyed in the past. It gives students the opportunity to do some exercise each and every day.

Walking is a brilliant way to get active and healthy, and to see the lovely nature that we’re blessed with across Central Bedfordshire. It’s also a great opportunity for children to learn vital road safety skills and make sure they’re alert and ready to learn at the start of each school day.

As well as the individual health benefits for parents and pupils, schools that encourage walking can find that their entrances and surrounding streets are less congested during peak times, which improves local air quality around schools and provides a safer environment.