Push for ‘Active Travel’ as schools return

Sunday 07 March 2021

The Health Improvement Commission is pushing for more students to get to school without having to use a car, to avoid traffic congestion and increase physical activity.

‘Active Travel’ is a journey that requires somebody to be physically active. This could be walking, cycling or scooting to school rather than by car.

“The quieter roads have given everyone a taste of what it is like to get out and about,” said Education and Be Active Lead, Alun Williams.

“Following the last lockdown, some schools reported that over half of their students walked, cycled or scooted when schools re-opened.

“We hope that we can build upon that change in habits."

Pictured: The Commission has offered solutions to help parents and their children avoid using the car.

Traffic and Highway Services has worked to make the surrounding areas of some schools safer for pedestrians and the Commission has supplied guidance on safe cycling.

“All our evidence shows that young people would like to travel more actively,” said Mr Williams.

“Travelling actively is a great opportunity to catch up with friends, and to get some fresh air at the start of the day. Every action helps in reducing congestion and pollution from cars and helping tackle climate change."

Pictured: The Family Strava Challenges can be found online.

Schools in Guernsey re-open on Monday 8 March, with a number of guidelines in place to protect students and teachers.

Mr Williams said there’s no better time to instill a change in behaviour. 

“Measurable increases in concentration and academic performance have been recorded by young people who actively travel,” said Mr Williams.