Pupils from across the Caerphilly county borough wrapped up warm and set off to school on foot recently in celebration of International Walk to School Month.
The annual event offered children, parents, teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event. This year was no exception with more than 40 countries across the globe taking part from Australia to Japan, and pupils from across Caerphilly county borough made sure that Wales was well represented, and made a fantastic effort to take part.
Cllr Rob Gough, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Planning said, “I am so proud of our pupils for embracing the challenge and jumping on board the walking bus, despite the recent cold weather. All 3,000 pupils and teachers involved have put Caerphilly county borough on the map as having people of all ages who really do want to make a difference to the environment.”
He continued, “Walking to school promotes health, physical activity, and relieves congestion around the school, making it a safer environment for all of the community.”
The walking bus is something of a regular mode of transport for many schools in the Caerphilly county borough, with a number of schools taking part all year round.
In order to encourage pupils to ditch the fumes and stretch their legs in the colder months, schools have gone the extra mile with the promotion, in an effort to enthuse the whole community to get involved.
Ysgol-y-Lawnt in Rhymney designed a bus to be placed on the school walls acting as a totaliser for each day they completed another eco friendly journey to school.
For further information on Walking Buses or School Travel Plans, contact Susan Davies, School Travel Plans Co-ordinator on 01495 235 402 or go to the Road Safety web pages.
