An Taisce’s Green-Schools Travel programme is asking parents and students to rethink their commute to school this academic year.

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green schools wow logoFollowing a summer of outdoor activities and traffic-free roads, Green Schools Travel programme is urging parents to choose active and sustainable modes of transport for the school run. Each year the programme works with schools in rural and urban settings to encourage walking, cycling and scooting to school along with options such as Park ‘n’ Stride, carpooling and using public transport.

The days before the new term begins are the ideal time to assess the route to school and see if any changes can be made to form new, greener and healthier travel habits.

Jane Hackett, National Manager of the Green-Schools Travel programme echoed the call, saying: “The new school year is the best time for parents to make small changes to the school run that will impact greatly on their children’s health and wellbeing. We hope that by working with students, parents and teachers we will see a reduction in congestion at the school gates and an increase in walking and cycling to school. The journey to school is a great time to get some exercise, meet new friends and learn about your local environment, and what better way than on foot or by bike“

green schools cow logoOn Wednesday, May 14th this year, at least 42,258 students – the highest number yet! – walked to school as part of National Walk to School Week’s WOW Day (Walk on Wednesday/Weekdays) and in June just under 7,000 students cycled to school for National COW Day (Cycle on Wednesday/Weekdays) which took place during Bike Week. This year Green-Schools introduced SOW Days (Scoot on Wednesday/Weekdays) and celebrated the first National SOW Day in March. To date, over 1500 primary and secondary schools countrywide have taken part or are taking part in the Green-Schools Travel programme.

 

Michael
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