Useful Links
There are good websites developed overseas to help understand the needs of young
people and how to encourage them to walk more. In England two or three key organisaitons
coordinate many of the walk to school initiatives which engage many local authorities
across the country.
If you think that we have missed out a key organsation please let us know or why not join
a
forum if you have a comment to make on why more young people aren’t
doing more exercise?
Walk to School Campaign
The Walk to School Campaign is organised by Living Streets and ACT Travelwise,
and funded by Transport for London, Department for Transport and the Scottish Executive.
It has been running since 1994.
http://www.livingstreets.org.uk
Sustrans’ Safe Routes to Schools
Sustrans runs a national Safe Routes to Schools information service, aimed at schools,
parents, pupils, Local Authorities and all those who are interested in Safe Routes
to Schools Projects. It provides training, videos, newsletters, factsheets, teachers'
packs, resources, advice and networking opportunities as well as holding national
and regional events and conferences.
Additionally Sustrans works closely with policy makers and the media to raise the
profile of school travel issues and the commitment to make a safe journey to school
for every child in the UK. Follow the link for all this and advice about school
travel plans (STPs).
Play England
Play England's aim is for all children and young people in England to have regular
access and opportunity for free, inclusive, local play provision and play space.
Their website provides advice and support, and advertises upcoming events and projects
to make sure the importance of play is recognised on a national, regional and local
level.
Safe Routes to School – Best Practice
from the United States
The US National Center for Safe Routes to School has launched the Safe Routes Forums,
a Web-based community aimed at connecting Safe Routes to School programs from across
the US. Share some of the best practice from the US and find out what other programs
did to launch their programs or who they partnered with to promote walking and bicycling.
MEND – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It
The MEND Programme is a free after-school course open to 7-13 year olds who are
above their ideal weight, accompanied by a parent or guardian. The course involves
games and activities, food demonstrations and group rewards, and lasts 10 weeks.
MEND helps the whole family learn how to be healthier and fitter, ensuring sustainable
results to treat and prevent obesity.
Travelwise
TravelWise is a membership network for organisations working to promote sustainable
travel. They support their members in their work to promote sustainable travel through
provision of first-class learning opportunities, partnership working, marketing
support and networking events, all with a specific focus on building expertise and
experience in travel planning and other cost-effective demand management measures.
International Walk to School
In 2007, millions of children, parents, and community leaders from 42 countries
around the world joined together in celebration of International Walk to School
Month.
The goal of the walk varies from community to community. Some walks rally for safer
and improved streets, some to promote healthier habits and some to conserve the
environment. Whatever the reason, International Walk to School events encourage
a more walkable world – one community at a time.
Active Steps to Learning
For step counters and ‘Active Steps to Learning Packs’, The Education
Pack includes 32 Step Counters and a 35-page booklet - Active Steps to Learning
- that provides guidelines for using Step Counters in the school/class environment,
as well as the wider school community and includes 20 lesson plans suitable
for Key stages 2 and 3.