Council calls on schools and families to step up to walk to school week

Bedford Borough Council is calling on schools and pupils in the area to take part in Walk to School Week from 17th - 21st May 2021.

Walk to school week, organised by Living Streets, encourages families to walk, cycle or scoot to school for the whole week so that they can see the big difference that small steps can make.

Schools that have signed up to the scheme can access Living Streets' Walk to School Week classroom packs, filled with activities to complete on the way to school and in the classroom. Each day, pupils will be introduced to a brand new 'Walking Superpower' taking the form of a fun comic-book inspired design, including 'Super Strong', 'Super Smart', 'Super Smiley', 'Super Safe' and 'Super Sustainable'.

Last year, almost 200,000 children across the country took part in Walk to School Week with this year looking to be bigger than ever.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said "Walk to School Week is a great way for schools, pupil and their family members to think about how we can all reduce unnecessary car journeys. Walking to school helps people to be happier and healthier, while improving air quality in areas that can be prone to high levels of congestion. With eight primary schools already signed up to take part in Walk to School Week, we're calling on other schools in the borough to get step up and get involved."

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: "Walk to School Week is a fun, inclusive, free and simple activity, which improves the physical and mental wellbeing of children and celebrates walking for all. We're thrilled that families nationwide are joining us this week and enjoying the fresh air, fun, freedom, and friendship that walking to school brings."

Classroom resource packs are available to schools who are engaging with the Council's Sustainable Transport team. To find out more about how you can get involved, email Sustainable.Transport@bedford.gov.uk.

For more information on Walk to School Week, visit www.livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw.