This is an annual day that started as a way of creating awareness for walkable communities and it has since grown into a series of international events taking place in more than 40 countries.
Thousands of children across the globe take to the streets and participate in their local communities each year.
IWTSD started in the UK in the early 1990’s Students and their parents rally to walk and inspire conversations about creating safer communities, environmental conservation, and health-conscious transportation habits.
IWTSD sheds light on several important issues such as traffic safety and environmental pollution. It is an important initiative in educating the world about the dangers of environmental pollution. Walking also happens to be an excellent form of exercise. Its health benefits are often underappreciated compared to jogging. However, even while not being as physically demanding, walking regularly is a great way to stay fit and healthy.
In 2021 some 350,000 pupils in the UK and their families stepped out to promote the benefits for them, their community and their environment by walking.
We all know that the traffic in the school holidays is markedly lower than during term time and the cars, parking and running engines around our various schools in Portishead.
When I say walk – you could bike, scoot or skateboard into school instead which might be a little faster if you live a little further from the school.
Why don’t we encourage our children to walk to school?
I don’t know about you but when I was young a huge number of the school pupils of all ages walked or cycled to school. Why have we lost this?
I think there are a variety of reasons:
- Perceived dangers to children
- Increased traffic
- Lack of lockers or storage space in school so a huge amount has to be carried by the children.
- Obesity and general lack of activity in the young (chicken and egg scenario, comes to mind here!)
So, there are some challenging barriers but this is where school leaders, town planners, health providers need to work together to make this possible. Childhood obesity and the diseases such as type 2 diabetes that come with that obesity are on the increase. Time for exercising in the busy school timetable is less of a priority than more academic subjects – surely the opportunity to use a commute as a time for exercise is a powerful one to stimulate healthy habits for life.
Come on parents – support this day and make it a habit until it becomes the norm rather than one day a year. Portishead has good road crossings and several car free lanes and paths that can be used. Get the kids to walk in groups both for safety and socialisation. Try and encourage them to walk without their phones under their noses – it is better for their posture and their safety! There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing – but maybe if it’s raining in the morning, drive them in that day but they could walk home.
There are loads of resources available, try – https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/international-walk-to-school-month They are backing a whole month of walking to school in October.
At Walnut Grove we are always trying to encourage integrated health, good eating, good sleeping, good thinking, good moving and exercise. Good health is not a given, it must be worked at life long and the lessons we learn in childhood are so important to carry us through a healthy, long and happy life.
