SUPPORT FOR WALK TO SCHOOL
Our campaign has received the support of the following organisations: The Association of Chief Police Officers, LARSOA, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Local Government Association and The Children’s Society.The Association of Chief Police Officers said: "With one of our key targets being a reduction in child casualties, the police welcome any scheme that helps to educate children about road safety under the controlled supervision of a parent. If this helps to save the life of just one child, it will have been very worthwhile."
Malcolm Burns, Chair of LARSOA, said: “LARSOA is pleased to support this initiative because encouraging families to walk to school enables children to develop real life practical skills, while fewer cars on the roads reduces congestion which can make it more difficult for pedestrians around schools.”
Kevin Clinton, Head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "Walking to school helps children to develop road safety awareness and skills, something which they cannot do in the back of a car. It also brings lots of other health and environmental benefits. We welcome and support Living Streets' campaign to encourage parents to walk their children to school from an early age, and so give their youngsters the best start to becoming active, safe and responsible road users."
Cllr David Sparks, the Local Government Association spokesman on transport, said: "Encouraging parents to walk their children to school, where it is possible, makes perfect sense. It means children are more savvy about road safety, it keeps them fit at a time when obesity has reached record levels and it means less traffic congestion within school zones at drop-off and pick-up times. At a time when petrol prices are soaring, it will also save parents money, and many councils are already doing a lot to encourage parents to leave the car at home with 'walking buses'."
Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said: “Walking to school is a great opportunity for children to develop independence and vital life skills, including road safety. This can help them make the tricky transition to secondary school confidently and safely. Our Good Childhood Inquiry has, however, found that parents are increasingly reluctant to let children out unsupervised before the age of 14. Sometimes by protecting children we can actually put them at further risk; it is vital that children have the opportunity to learn to look after themselves.”
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We are also receiving lots of messages of support from individuals which you can read here.
"What a fantastic achievement - so pleased that we are now reaching the 'mainstream' media. Changes are afoot at last - I'm sure we'll leave an even bigger ''footprint'' of the right sort at the end of this year's May campaign."
Dave Wafer, Acting Head of Highway Management Services for Durham
"I have read the new report that you have brought out this week and I think it is an excellent document that puts forward a very good point for getting parents to walk their children to school."
Victoria Pratt, Child Pedestrian Safety Officer, North Somerset Council
"We would like to say we all agree that Walk to School Week is an excellent idea because it keeps us all healthy and helps the environment."
Class 2Y from Moorlands Primary School, Huddersfield
"I worked in Richmond Upon Thames Council Transport Planning Service for my work experience and saw the campaign right from the start! It’s a fantastic, creative idea which children of all ages can do!"
Oliver from Christ's School
"I feel great walking to the school gate!"
Alexander Kelly, St Michael’s Primary, Moodlesburn
"I love walk to school week! They should have it more often!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Olivia from Dunston Hill
