Primary and secondary schools across Medway are encouraged to sign up for Walk to School Month in October.
Medway Council are supporting the international campaign, in partnership with the KM Charity Team, to reduce the number of cars on Medway’s roads and to encourage residents to make more active journeys to and from school.
There are two challenges taking place this year, the Hedgehog Hike for primary schools and the Social Netwalk for secondary schools. All participating pupils are encouraged to get to school in a fun and active way, including walking, cycling or scooting.
The challenges will take place from Monday, 10 October to Friday, 21 October and the winning schools will receive a framed certificate of their effort. All schools that sign up and take part will receive an e-certificate for their participation and their green travel commitment.
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “This initiative is a great way to get families in Medway moving and make the school run a more exciting time of day. The challenges not only have a positive impact on the environment, but they also have a great effect on participants’ mental and physical health. I’d like to thank our Sustainable Transport team, who have provided fantastic new learning resources, free for schools to use, when they sign up for the challenge. I would encourage schools to find out more and sign up to the international campaign.”
Cllr Martin Potter, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education and Schools, said: “I’m pleased that we are supporting this campaign once again to encourage environmentally friendly and active travel across Medway. It’s great that young people across Medway can be a part of a fantastic international initiative and represent their school on a large scale. The initiative supports our child-friendly city Medway’s ambitions, putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do.”
The council is also supporting Bikeability Trust’s national Cycle to School Week, taking place from Monday, 3 to Friday, 7 October to encourage active and sustainable school journeys with pedal power. Schools are encouraged to find out more and pupils and families can make a pledge to be entered into a prize draw to win a Frog City bike.
