Campaign boosts numbers of kids and parents walking to school and work
Schools in Hackney saw a 27 per cent increase in children walking to school on Wednesday 13 May, as part of the Walking is Rewarding campaign.
The campaign aims to encourage more people to walk to work and to school, with local shops in Hackney rewarding customers with freebies and discounts for walking. Schools that logged their journeys also saw a 25 per cent reduction in car journeys compared to the previous month.
Eleven cafes and shops provided rewards, such as a free drink or fruit, to people who reported walking that day, while schools across the borough took part with initiatives to get more pupils, parents and staff walking to school.
It’s great to see children getting involved and enjoying their walk to school. This initiative is an opportunity for parents to try walking with their children to school and then on to work, and I’m grateful to our partners for providing incentives on the day. Walking can improve fitness, help clear your head and provide social time with children, friends and colleagues. Whether it’s a four mile journey to work or simply getting off the bus one stop earlier, there are so many benefits to be had. I hope that more people try to incorporate walking to school and work into their daily routine.
Carmen Dorado Luna, Extended Schools Manager at Jubilee Primary School said: “We had a fantastic breakfast with an incredible turn out. Children walked to school with their flags to have breakfast and we all enjoyed very much a wonderful morning. Staff also took part with 52 walking to school!”
Physically active people are less likely to suffer major health problems and less likely to need time off school or work for sickness. To help plan your walk visit Walkit.com for help planning walking routes. The journey planner offers a variety of routes, time taken, calories burned, CO2 saved and even the weather forecast. Find more information about walking in Hackney.
Notes to editors:
With thanks to local partners:
Artisserie
285 Mare St, E8 3QE
Black Box Coffee
Great Eastern Street & Hackney Empire
Bungalows café
80 Mare Street, E8 3SG
Hoxton Hotel
81 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HU
Mary Shoes Ltd
137 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
Medirest Chatters Restaurant
First floor Homerton Hospital, Homerton Row
Picturehouse
270 Mare Street, E8 1HE
Strongroom Bar and Kitchen
120-124 Curtain Road, EC2A 3SQ
Summer With Monika
67-69 Pitfield Street, N1 6BT
The Proud Archivist
2-10 Hertford Road, N1 5SH
The Russet
17 Amhurst Terrace, E8 2BT