A generation ago over 70% of children walked to school. Today this has dropped to 46%.
But it's not too late to turn things around. A relatively small investment from the government could help make walking the norm for millions of children, helping to cut childhood obesity and relieve congestion and pollution.
Sheila, 72 from Merseyside, remembers her walk to school: "Walking to school was a time for meeting friends. I learned independence and a lot about road safety. The daily walk kept us all fit and healthy. My grandchildren's generation miss out on this."
The government has made some commitment to tackling this issue but plans are scant. With the government Spending Review due we think it's time to take it to the top.
October is International Walk to School month, so Living Streets is marking it by asking David Cameron to take a lead and make sure that the plans laid out for walking and cycling are given adequate funds.
Email David Cameron and ask him to invest in children walking to school!
Dear Prime Minister,
I would like your help in ensuring that cycling and walking are the natural, safe choice for everyone travelling short journeys, especially for children going to school.
I welcome government commitments to reverse the decline in primary school children walking to school and to double the number of people cycling but your personal leadership will make a huge difference to upping the pace of change. We need cycling and walking to be a cross-departmental government priority and for a fully funded Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy to be published urgently with provision included in the upcoming spending review.
More children walking and cycling is key to delivering on your manifesto commitment to tackle child obesity.
I'm supporting Living Streets in campaigning for safer streets through long-term, dedicated funding to encourage families to walk and cycle.
Best wishes,
[Your name here]
[Your mailing address here]
[Your email address here]
