Stepping it out!

CHILDREN across the Northside were encouraged to walk to school last week as part of an initiative that has health and environmental benefits.

The pupils at St Vincent de Paul SNS in Marino launched the Green-Schools’ National Walk to School Week 2018 on its 10th birthday. 

National Walk to School Week took place from May 14-18. The colourful event aimed to encourage students, families and teachers to enjoy walking to school and to focus on continuing to journey to school on foot into the summer months – and all year round.

The countrywide initiative resulted in thousands of pupils, their parents and teachers walking to and from school, to enjoy the environmental, health, social and financial benefits of active travel on the school journey. 

It also presented an opportunity for schools to try other modes of travel including cycling, scooting, Park ‘n’ Stride, carpooling and travelling by bus.

Jane Hackett, Green-Schools Travel Manager, said: “As a nation we’re not walking enough but there’s no better place to begin than on the journey to school. The benefits are enormous and communities in which children can walk to school are happier, healthier ones, with cleaner air and reduced congestion at the school gates. 

“We hope that by celebrating the 10th birthday of National Walk to School Week we can remind everyone of these benefits and get children out walking, not just during the month of May but every day!”