Posted on: Thursday 14 November 2024
More primary school pupils than ever are walking, cycling or scooting to school in the borough.
According to the latest Wales-wide Hands Up survey, Torfaen has the 4th highest percentage of pupils who travel actively to school – an increase of eight places compared to last year.
The annual Public Health Wales survey measures the number of pupils who walk, cycle, or scoot to school in June.
According to this year’s results, a higher percentage of pupils took part in the survey than anywhere else in Wales.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “The results from the survey show that 63% of children in Torfaen travel actively to and from school which is great. Last year it was 46% so we are thrilled with the increase.
“These results are especially fitting due to it being Wales Climate Week which promotes actions which can reduce climate change such as active travel.
“Surveys like this are so important because they are vital in helping us plan for the future of active travel routes near schools.
“Therefore, I would like to thank primary schools for getting involved in the survey. It really is a great achievement!”
Executive Headteacher, Blenheim Road and Coedeva Community Primary Schools, Mr Keane said: "Changing our community and country for the better is a core part of our federation schools’ mission.
“With daily small active travel changes, we have empowered our learners to make informed climate change decisions.
“We are delighted with our yearly growth rate of 13% as we work towards everyone doing their part to tackle the effects of climate change."
Since 2021 the council’s active travel team has worked with 15 Schools to develop active travel school plans. They are also currently working with several more schools to create plans to increase active travel journey’s.
As part of the programme, the team works with each school to identify ways of increasing the number of pupils who walk, cycle or scoot to school, including improved cycle and walking routes, and increased bike and scooter storage.
The team, together with the council’s Road Safety Officers also run balance bike training, cycle proficiency training and awareness programmes.
Encouraging residents to actively travel is part of the council’s commitment to responding to the climate and nature emergency. Read the County Plan for further information.
Find out more about active travel in Torfaen