Sustrans is campaigning for a safer school run to tackle the inactivity crisis and predictions that in the UK as many as 70% of girls and 55% of boys could be overweight or obese by 2050.
Yet with nearly half of children failing to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity each day, the number of families choosing to make the school run by car is on the rise. Little wonder when in 2012, 33 children were killed and over 1800 seriously injured while walking and cycling.
Sustrans' Campaign for Safer Streets is calling for:
Dedicated funding to transform routes and invest in walking and cycling at the local level
20mph default speed limit across built up areas – makes everyone's route safer
Stronger duties and incentives on Local Authorities to develop routes and promote walking and cycling
Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine said: "Walking, cycling or scooting to school is a great way to include physical activity in a child's daily routine, while building healthy habits for a lifetime.
"If we can create an environment where children can have an active and safe journey to school, we'll not only prevent needless and tragic road incidents, but also improve public health, reduce air pollution and tackle road congestion.
"Every child has the right to a safe walk, bike or scoot to school – let's make our streets safer."
Pictured; Steve supports Sustrans at Fryern Infant & Junior schools in Chandler's Ford
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