JOYCE WATSON AM is backing Walk to School week. Children and young people are being encouraged to walk to school instead of travelling by car.
Labour Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales JOYCE WATSON AM said:
"We all want to do our bit to get healthier and to encourage children to get more exercise. While walking to school isn't possible for everyone, walking and cycling can bring huge health benefits, as well as wider community benefits from reduced vehicle emissions and eased traffic congestion.
"I was proud when Welsh Labour made safe routes to schools one of our top Assembly priorities, and I am delighted that our Welsh Assembly Government has supported local projects for walking buses, where children walk safely together to and from school. These build social skills as well as health.
"My children walked to school, and I was pleased to speak on this subject last week in the Assembly. With fitness declining and obesity growing, increasing the amount we all walk and cycle is hugely important."
A few facts…
Walking one mile can burn up at least 100 calories of energy and walking two miles a day, three times a week, can help reduce weight by one pound (0.5kg) every three weeks.- In Wales, the statistics for car trips show that about 8% of car journeys are under 1 mile, 26% are under two miles and 58% are under 5 miles.
- Soaring obesity rates have led to an increase in childhood type II diabetes and will lead to more future cases of heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
- The school run accounts for 18% of car trips by residents of urban areas during term time at 8.45am.
- The start of secondary school is the most dangerous year for children on Britain's roads. Walking to school is a safe way of weaning children off parental supervision so they are better equipped to travel independently.
Walk to School has been running since 1994 and is a joint campaign run by ACTTravelwise and Living Streets with funding from the Department for Transport and Transport for London.
If you want to find out more information about Walk to School campaign contact your local council or visit the Walk to School website.
http://new.wales.gov.uk/campaigns/more/walktoschool/?lang=en
20th May 2008
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