Active travel week sees rise in participation

The number of children "actively" travelling to school has increased.

An initiative in Guernsey aimed at encouraging pupils to "actively" travel to school has seen an increase in participation.

Alternative Transport Week, held between Monday and Friday, saw a 12% increase in the number of young people either walking or cycling to school than last year.

The Health Improvement Commission said 49% of children in primary schools were recorded as travelling active to school in May 2023.

It said the figure rose to 61% for this year's event.

La Houguette Primary headteacher Claire Judd said walking to school was a "brilliant start to the day"

Active travel includes walking, cycling, scooting or blended travel, which means walking at least part of the journey, the commission said.

Alex Costen, active travel officer at the commission, said it was a "real pleasure" to see children and their parents walking to school.

"It is a great way to start the day and children have clearly really enjoyed the experience," she said.

"We are working with schools to make active travel the preferable option for all children."

Claire Judd, headteacher of La Houguette Primary School, said walking to school was a "brilliant start to the day".

The school took part in a trial temporary road closure during drop-off and pick-up times to improve safety.

Ms Judd said: "We get a register and the children come every day - or the days that they can do - and we walk them to school in a safe way.

"It's a brilliant start to the day."