Car Free Challenge steps out
For the first time 36 schools across the West Midlands have been taking part in a challenge to go car free.
The challenge got underway on the 26 April and comes to a close on Friday, 7 May.
In urban areas in term time nearly one in five cars at 8.50am is on the school run*. Even travelling without the car just one day a week can make a big difference and the challenge is for groups of students to find innovative ways of reducing the number of cars travelling to school.
Ideas so far generated in schools include; podcasts, video documentaries, competitions to promote walking and cycling, poster campaigns, leaflets and newsletters to parents, promoting car sharing amongst staff, drama around the journey to school and many more.
Ash Green School and Arts College in Warwickshire are having a sponsored Walk to School where students can meet at designated locations a mile or so away from the school and walk the rest of the journey.
Sheila Dagnall, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We want as many students as possible to walk where it’s appropriate because it’s the healthiest way of travelling, it’s taking care of the environment and it means there is less traffic outside the school making it safer for everyone. We’ll also be raising money for the NSPCC through our sponsored walk to school.
“I hope students carry on walking after the Car Free Challenge as it really is the healthiest and most enjoyable way to travel for everyone in the long term.”
The most innovative and successful school in Warwickshire will win £100 for their school and a chance to win the top prize of £500 for the best school campaign in the West Midlands.
The winning school’s ideas will be turned into a new campaign for all secondary schools across the West Midlands.
Schools not yet registered can still be part of the Car Free Challenge and organise activities at their school. Just visit the website: http://www.schooltravelwise.org.uk/carfreechallenge for more details.
Regularly walking is an excellent way to for families to stay healthy and The Car Free Challenge is funded by the WM Department of Health, forming part of the Change for Life Campaign. Families can find out more about how to stay healthy at http://www.nhs.uk/change4life
Ends
*cf: “Travelling to School: An Action Plan” – DfT/DfES 9/2003
For more information:
Contact:
Laura Vesty or Karen Hall
Sustainable Travel Officers
Tel: 01926 412252/ 2454
Email: lauravesty@warwickshire.gov.uk or karenhall@warwickshire.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
The Car Free Challenge is sponsored by WM Department of Health and forms part of the Change for Life Campaign.
TravelWise is a national campaign to reduce the amount of traffic congestion in local areas. The West Midlands Authorities are working together on this project. For more information on West Midlands TravelWise please visit http://www.travelwisewestmids.org.uk