Children across Devon urged to walk or cycle to school wherever possible

Published: 5 September 2022

Children are being encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot when they return to school this week if they can.

Teachers say pupils who travel actively arrive more alert and ready for learning and are generally happier. 

Active travel also helps parents and carers stay fit, helps the environment by cutting pollution and carbon emissions and gives people time back in their day by not being stuck in traffic.

Even if families can only make the change a couple of days a week, or for just one leg of the journey to and from school, it will make a big difference.

If children aren’t able to walk, cycle or scoot they can use public transport, or a combination of the two.

If parents do have to drive their child to school, they could consider parking a 10 minute walk away to help keep the school entrance clear of traffic.

Devon County Council provides free school transport to more than 16,000 pupils across Devon.

Families who qualify should have received information from the authority regarding arrangements for the new term, and the majority of school bus passes have now been sent out.

If any parent or carer has not yet heard from the County Council, or has a query, they should call 0345 155 1019.