WEST Midlands Mayor Andy Street was up bright and early for Walk to School Week to join Solihull pupils on their school run.
The Mayor met with pupils at Yorkswood Primary School, Solihull to hear first-hand why they enjoy walking to school.
Walk to School Week, organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, aims to encourage families to try healthier and greener ways to travel. This year-round challenge has seen walk to school rates increase by 23 per cent – with a 30 per cent reduction in cars around the school gates.
Andy Streets said: “I thoroughly enjoyed joining the Yorkswood children for their morning walk to school.
“The school is doing fantastic work with Living Streets to encourage their children and families to get more exercise like this because active kids are healthier, happier and do better at school. Not only that, but walking to school means less cars on the road, helping to tackle climate change and congestion.
“These are critical issues for the West Midlands, and through the WMCA we are doing what we can to help reduce them – including through our #WM2041 climate vision, and by investing in projects like our new Starley Network, which is designed to make cycling safer, easier, and more enjoyable.”
Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Every child should be able to walk to school safely, and enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that it brings.
“I’m thrilled Andy Street was able to join pupils today to see what difference can be made when families are supported to leave the car at home for the school journey.”
To find out more, go to livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw or search #WalktoSchoolWeek
