Walking and wheeling their way to school

Around 4,000 pre-school children are walking, scooting and going by bike as they take part in this year’s ‘Walking and Wheeling Week.’

The children, from around 50 early years settings, have been walking and wheeling this week (October 17 to 21), to help celebrate Walk to School month.

‘Walking and Wheeling Week’ encourages parents, carers, children and staff to walk, scoot and cycle to their nursery, pre-school, playgroup or childminder.

Those who can't walk the whole way, are encouraged to walk the last 5 minutes of their journey.

As well as keeping everyone active, Walking and wheeling helps keep the areas around early years’ entrances clearer of cars parking, making it safer for everyone.

Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of council’s environment and transport committee said: “Walking and Wheeling Week is a great way to encourage very young children to get into the habit of walking, scooting and cycling, long before they reach school age.

“As well as promoting walking and wheeling as a fun and healthy way to travel, the initiative reduces the amount of traffic around early years settings, cutting pollution, and improving the environment which benefits everyone.”

Here's our top tips on how to join in:

If you drive, and don't live too far away, try walking to your early years setting at least once during the week.
If you need to drive try 'Park & Stride'. This is when you park away from your early years setting, and walk the last 5-10 minutes.
If you travel by bus, why not get off the bus a couple of stops early, and walk the last 5 minutes?
If you already walk or cycle to your early years setting, you could 'Park & Stride' for other journeys you make by bus or car.
If your early years setting isn't joining in Walking and Wheeling Week, ask them to email road.safety@brighton-hove.gov.uk for free resources and information