Issued by City of York Council
Thousands of school children in York are set to take part in this year’s National Walk to School event, taking place across the city from next week (20 -24 May).
Organised by the national charity Living Streets and supported by City of York Council, as part of its i-Travel initiative, the event aims to encourage children and parents to incorporate walking into their daily routine and support them with tips, advice and motivation.
The week-long event is part of the national Walking Month in May, aiming to bring together nearly one million school children, teachers and parents across the country.
Also this month, to celebrate the many benefits of walking and, in line with its commitment to health and wellbeing, the council encouraged as many of its staff as possible to take part in Walk to Work Week (13 -17 May) for the good of their health, for fun and to help the environment.
Cllr Dave Merrett, Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability, said: “Walk to School Week represents a great opportunity for around 7,500 York school children to walk or cycle to school.
“With a record number of 29 schools taking part in this year’s event, thousands of children will benefit from walking just half an hour each day, which is proven to transform fitness levels and vastly improve concentration levels for the day ahead.”
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said: “Whether it’s walking all or part of the journey to work, stepping out of the office for a lunchtime walk, or getting off the bus a few stops earlier on your way home, walking is a free and easy way to work more exercise into your daily routine.
“Logging your walks on www.livingstreets.org.uk during Walk to Work Week is a great way to get started!”
For further information about Walk to Work Week, schools and parents can contact Christine Packer, School Travel Advisor, on 01904 551345.
In York, information on sustainable journeys, including an urban walking route planner, is available from the i-Travel York website.
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