Big Walk Once a Week Campaign launched in Sutton (From Surrey Comet)

Big Walk Once a Week Campaign launched in Sutton

7:10am Saturday 4th September 2010 in

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This year's Big Walk Once a Week campaign is hoping to persuade more pupils to walk to school.

The Smarter Travel Sutton initiative is running in 46 primary schools and will reward children who walk to school regularly with badges.

The Big WOW scheme, which started in 2006, aims to reduce car use, promote environmental sustainability and healthier lifestyles.

A council spokesman said: “Parents of children who walk to school on average save £400 a year on petrol.”

Councillor Kirsty Jerome, executive member for education and schools, said: “This is a great campaign. Not only is it good exercise but it also makes children more alert in classrooms, benefiting their learning.

“By using cars less, people will also save money, help the environment and reduce traffic around the borough, especially outside schools, which makes the streets safer for children.”

The initiative is aimed at children aged from four to eight and runs throughout the school year. It is linked to the 2012 London Olympic Games and a baton will be passed between schools. Sutton will receive the baton from Merton on 18 October and will pass it to Croydon on the 19 October.

For more information visit www.smartertravelsutton.org/schools.