Children at Hampton Vale Primary School will
be helping to cut congestion on the roads while enjoying a healthy
start to the day by joining a walking bus to get to school.
Pupils at the school on Vale Drive, Hampton
Vale, Peterborough, will be trialling the walking bus as part of
national Walk to School Week which begins on Monday (13 June
2011).
A walking bus is a healthy, independent way to
get to school. A group of children walk to school, accompanied and
supervised by at least two volunteers, one acting as the ‘driver’
who leads and the other a ‘conductor’ at the back of the bus. The
pupils walk to school along a set route and stop off at agreed ‘bus
stops’ along the way, picking up more ‘passengers’.
Walking buses contribute to reducing
congestion levels outside schools and help to make schools
healthier and safer. Children who walk to school are less likely to
suffer from obesity and teachers claim that those who have walked
are more alert in lessons.
Nicola Winstone, schools travel plan officer
for Peterborough City Council’s Travelchoice team, said: "This is
just one way pupils and parents can adopt safe alternative ways of
getting to school which do not include travelling by car. The
walking bus is an easy way for children to get to school on time
and in a healthy way. It also increases children's traffic
awareness and independence. In addition, walking buses can help to
reduce late attendance."
Emma Krstonosic from Hampton Vale Primary
School said: "If the walking bus proves a success then we will be
looking to make it a permanent fixture for the start of the new
school year in September. A walking bus is a great way for
children to learn about road safety and the environment and also
gives them a taste of independence on the school journey in a
supervised group. If fewer parents use their cars for the school
journey it will also help to reduce congestion outside the school
gates at peak times."
Headteacher Anne Byrne said: "I am delighted
that we have children, parents and staff committed to sustainable
travel, and to supporting the community by setting us a greener
method of travel that is safe, fun and healthy."
Ends.