Funding to enable more children to walk and wheel to school

More children will have access to Living Streets’ walk to school programme, thanks to funding announced today (12 February 2025).  

Living Streets has been awarded £5m from Active Travel England to boost the number of children walking or wheeling to school. The charity’s ‘Walk to School Outreach’ programme has been helping more families choose cleaner and healthier ways to travel to school for many years.  

During the 23-24 financial year, participating schools enjoyed a 22.5 percentage point shift from pupils being driven all the way to school to walking, wheeling or other forms of active transport, creating 9.3 million new walking journeys and removing 1.8 million car km from the roads at peak times.  

The one-year funding will see Living Streets continue the programme, running WOW – its walk to school programme in schools and also working with local Government partners to consult with school communities about the improvements they want to their streets to support them to walk and wheel more.   

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Living Streets said:  

“Children love walking to school and this funding will allow even more of them to enjoy the many benefits it brings, from spending quality time with parents, carers and friends to concentrating better in lessons.  

“We look forward to working with more schools and partners to create safer streets we can be proud of – where pupils are happier and healthier.” 

The funding is part of a £300million in funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling in England. 

Speaking in the announcement from Active Travel England, Chris Boardman, National Travel Commissioner, said: 

“Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one. 

“Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices. 

“This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.” 

Minister for Local Transport Simon Lightwood MP said: 

“Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone. 

“Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity, but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.”