Nineteen primary schools across the city are taking part in this year’s campaign to encourage even more children to walk, cycle or scoot to school.

Christine Packer, School Travel Advisor at City of York Council, said: “Walk to School week is a great chance for pupils who might not be currently walking, scooting or cycling to try changing the way in which they travel to school. This is a popular campaign in York which brings many benefits including improving the environment and health – children who walk to school are proven to be more alert in lessons. This also helps towards the 60-minutes of recommended daily exercise. ”

Jonathan Green, Head Teacher from Archbishop of York Junior school in Bishopthorpe, said: “We always encourage our pupils to walk and cycle to school, particularly during walk to school week because of the benefits to the children. Research shows those who cycle or walk to school can demonstrate a measurable increase in concentration that lasts for up to four hours. Plus, children feel healthier, they are sharper, more ready to learn and are more likely to arrive at school in a more positive frame of mind.”

Children aged five to 16 need to do at least 60  minutes of physical activity that gets their heart beating faster than usual and they need to do it everyday to help them keep fit and healthy.

Regular activity is also important for adults and it is recommended that adults make sure they’re active for just 30 minutes each day, or 150 minutes a week. Just walking their children to school and back each day will meet this target for adults.

The scheme is also targeted at families who normally take the car, and encourages them to consider walking, scooting or cycling to school instead.

Residents can find out more about changing the way they travel in York at: www.itravelyork.info/