Kids urged to walk to school

October is International Walk to School Month which promotes the benefits of walking to school at least once a week.North Lanarkshire Council’s Safe and Sustainable Travel team are offering prizes for primary schools to run competitions and raise awareness of the initiative, as well as educating children on how to do this safely.“Walking is one of the best ways to fit exercise into our everyday lives, and it’s good for the environment too,” explains Councillor James Coyle, convener of the Planning and Transportation Committee.“The council is encouraging parents and pupils to try walking to school during October, to experience the benefits for themselves. One important benefit is improving road safety around schools, as it would reduce the number of cars parking near school entrances.“Our Safe and Sustainable Travel team will be supporting Walk to School Month by working with schools to show children how to walk to and from school safely.”Walking to school has a wide range of benefits:* It keeps children (and parents) healthy;* It reduces traffic and congestion on the roads as well as pollution at the school gate;* It is an opportunity for children to play, socialise and exercise before school;* It engages children with their local communities and environments;* It can take less time than driving, to the amazement of many parents;* Pedestrians learn valuable road safety skills; and* Less traffic is good for the environment and helps schools meet Eco challenges.For more information, go to www.livingstreets.org.uk.