Health and physical activity
Improved health and increased physical activity are two of the benefits of encouraging students and staff (and their parents/guardians) to walk and cycle to and from school.
Physical activity is essential for childhood growth and development. Key benefits include:
Children who walk and cycle to and from school may be more likely to continue this behaviour in later life, resulting in longer-term benefits in health. By encouraging walking and cycling, schools will be helping their students to be more active and therefore healthier. (The walking and cycling information sheets provide further guidance).
Physical activity increases psychological well-being and encourages social interaction1. Being physically active can help children to develop a strong sense of identity, make creative use of their minds and develop the capacity to take responsibility for themselves.
There has been a lot in the news about the rising levels of childhood obesity. In a report from the Chief Medical Officer it was stated that:
There are many impacts of obesity on health: Type 2 diabetes has been identified in obese adolescents (Type 2 diabetes is usually referred to as adult-onset diabetes) 1.
In the long term, obesity can double the risk of coronary heart disease, having a stroke and increases the risk of some cancers. Obesity can also have a negative psychological impact on children who may suffer from low self-esteem (amongst other problems).
The Department of Health states that “Air pollution can have short-term and long-term effects on health… air pollution should be regarded as one of a number of factors that may affect people with breathing disorders..” (such as asthma).
Did you know that:
The advice from the Department of Health is that:
The school journey is an opportunity for children to gain self confidence and independence. Travelling by car can reduce opportunities for them to learn important life skills such as how to cross a road and so limit a child’s ability to act independently. Walking and cycling can also help children to learn about their local environment, develop road sense, assess risk and become more self-reliant.
The School Travel Planning Team works with Hampshire’s Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to promote School Travel Plans and share information. If you would like information on your local PCT please contact the School Travel Planning Team
For further information please see the Health section of the Website Links page.
‘At least five a week: Evidence on the impact of physical
activity and its relationship to health. A report by the Chief
Medical Officer’, April 2004.
2 National Asthma Campaign Asthma Audit 2002 “Starting as we mean to go on”
3 Institute for European Environmental Policy / Environmental Transport Association, 1997, “Road user exposure to air pollution: Literature review”
4 DH COMEAP advice: The health effects of air pollutants July 2000
5 DfES Healthy living blueprint for schools, September 2004