The key to happiness? Going for a walk with your child

Parents of primary schoolers who drive their children to school were more likely to be discouraged from walking by traffic on the way (24%) than parents who walk their child to school (17%). 

There were suggestions that interventions in the nations to improve streets for people walking and wheeling are having a positive impact. In Scotland, where a ban on pavement parking was rolled out in 2023, just 2 per cent of parents said it put them off walking to school, compared to 12 per cent of GB parents of primary children.  

And in Scotland and Wales where 20mph has been made the default speed limit in residential areas, just 7 per cent across both nations said unsafe speeds discouraged them from walking to school, compared to 16 per cent of parents in England.

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets said:  

“It’s no surprise that parents are put off walking to school because of high volumes of traffic. But by leaving the car at home for our short journeys, we can be part of the solution. 

“As we head into the colder and darker months, it’s important that we all take steps to protect our wellbeing. Getting outdoors for a walk is an easy way to stay active and get some vitamin D - even on the colder days. And as the data shows, it’s our favourite way to spend time with our children!”

Living Streets runs WOW – the walk to school challenge in schools across the UK. WOW sees pupils record how they get to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker with those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot to school being awarded a monthly WOW badge.

WOW schools see 59 per cent fewer car journeys to the school gates and 18 per cent more journeys walking and wheeling all the way to school. 

UEFA Vice President and ex-Wales football captain, Professor Laura McAllister, is taking part in International Walk to School Month with her daughters. She said:

“October is International Walk to School Month which is a fantastic opportunity to get yourself and your children moving. We know that walking, cycling, scooting or wheeling to school benefits children’s mental and physical health, but for me, it’s a chance to slow down and set aside time together as a family in an otherwise busy day.

“My eldest child now attends secondary school and travels independently on public transport but still walks part of the journey, which helps ease congestion and cut down on pollution near the school gates. It’s finding what works for your family.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP said:

"Choosing active travel to get to school – whether by walking, cycling, scooting or wheeling, boosts children’s wellbeing, sharpens focus for the classroom, and creates time to connect with family and friends. Fewer cars on the road also helps to ease traffic, making the school gates safer for everyone. 

“Increasing the number of journeys to and from school by active travel can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions each year, which is why every step taken instead of a car ride is a step toward a cleaner and a healthier planet.”