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Youngsters encouraged to use health routes this Walk to School week
20/05/2024
The routes are marked with signs and colourful shapes
This week is Walk to School Week. The aim is to educate pupils about how being active on their way to school helps improve their health, happiness, and the local environment.
Cherwell District Council is encouraging Banbury youngsters to use the health routes they have created as part of their daily walk to school.
Known as Shape Trails, the routes are marked with signs and colourful shapes on the ground. There are also playful illustrations adorning the trails along with workout prompts.
Guides to all the routes are available on the council’s website. https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/3/leisure-and-wellbeing/246/countryside-walks-and-health-routes/4
Nicola Riley, Assistant Director of Wellbeing and Housing Services, said: “Building more physical activity into our daily routines is one of the best choices we can all make for our long-term physical health and wellbeing. Childhood is the best stage of life to establish healthy habits, and we know that children who have active lifestyles find it easier to concentrate at school too.
“We support Walk to School Week because of the benefits to individuals and also the environmental impact. We know that traffic emissions, the biggest single source of carbon dioxide in Oxfordshire, peak at school pick-up and drop-off times. Working to reduce this is an important element of our climate action programme.
“The addition of fun and accessible health routes in the busiest areas of the district is a significant part of our mission to make Cherwell a place where it’s easy to make healthy choices. I hope lots of young people enjoy following them this Walk to School Week.”
Meanwhile, for parents and pupils at Hanwell Fields Community School a Park and Stride route has been designed to encourage people to walk from nearby parking spots to prevent cars from gathering at the school gates.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam