The UK government has unveiled an ambitious plan to encourage at least 60% of children aged five to 16 to walk or cycle to school by 2035. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes a £4.5 billion investment aimed at creating thousands of safer routes and crossings across England’s towns and cities.
Currently, about 47% of children in this age group already walk or cycle to school. The new plan aims to increase this figure significantly, with the government promising to build 5,000 walking and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings by 2030. This could lead to 5.3 million more people becoming physically active in urban areas.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised that the initiative is designed to make active travel a practical choice for families, potentially reducing reliance on cars. The strategy also includes funding for training children to walk and cycle safely, alongside developing travel plans in schools.
Health Secretary James Murray highlighted the public health benefits of the initiative, stating it would help integrate exercise into daily routines, thereby alleviating some pressure on the NHS. As the plan unfolds, it could reshape how families approach school commutes and contribute to healthier communities overall.
Source: BBC News
