Back to School

Back to School Resolutions

It’s nearly the end of the 6 week Summer holidays and time to head Back to School.

Put your best foot forward this year and set yourself a Back to School Resolution.

1 in 5 cars on the road during peak morning time are involved in the school run. Short car journeys, like travelling to school create the most pollution and add to peak-time congestion.  Most children live within 1.5 miles or less from their primary school.

Why not try active travel to school?

Active travel to school wakes up the mind and body. It also helps to reduce congestion and pollution and improve safety around the school gates!

Check out our top tips for the school run.

Top of the class – Active travel can increase the concentration of children by up to four hours.  Pupils who travel to school in an active way are more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day.

On the go – Walking, cycling and scooting builds exercise into a daily routine.  It is recommended that 5-18 year olds get 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise every day.

Stop, breathe and be – Not only is active travel great for your physical health, it can also boost mental health and wellbeing.  Physical activity can increase mental alertness, energy, positive mood and self-esteem, as well as reducing stress and anxiety.

Safety first – From a young age, children can develop road safety skills and learn how to manage risk gradually.  As they develop the skills they need to stay safe, they can become more independent.  Reducing the number of cars around the school at the start and end of the day will also make it safer for everyone.

Take a breath of fresh air – Leave the car at home, walk, cycle, bus…however you like to travel, leave your car at home and take to the streets.  Amazingly, car drivers can be exposed to twice as much air pollution as pedestrians and nine times more than a cyclist.  So as well as cutting down the amount of pollution you make, you’re reducing your exposure to air pollution and getting some exercise too.

Take care of the pennies – Cycling, scooting, or walking the school run will save you and your family a small fortune.  Not only will you be forking out on less petrol, you might also save money on gym fees, leaving you with more cash in your pocket.

And if all that’s not enough – just think of all the fresh air, freedom and fun you’ll have along the way.  Taking time out of your day to cycle, scoot or walk together is a great chance to catch up on your child’s day and spend quality time with each other while enjoying the freedom of travelling under your own steam.

Learn more about active travel and the school run.