HARROGATE DISTRICT WALK TO SCHOOL DAY
Posted 23rd September 2022
Get active whilst helping combat climate change!
Can you leave the car at home for most, if not all, of the school run on Friday 7th October 2022?
At 28% above the UK average, road transport is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the Harrogate District. Petrol and diesel cars produce gases that warm our atmosphere, which causes unpredictable and extreme weather conditions. This leads to many problems, not only for polar bears in the Arctic, but also right here on our doorstep with heavy rain and floods. We need to find a way to reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use, ideally down to zero.
On this day, primary and secondary schools across the district are asked to ditch their cars and walk or cycle to school. Those that live far away use public transport/car for part of the journey, then ‘park and stride’ the last mile. It all adds up!
The physical and mental health benefits of exercise are well known, with studies also showing that walking to school improves concentration and helps pupils arrive ready to learn. Making the journey on foot, by bike or using public transport means fewer vehicles on the road, benefitting the wider community with less traffic and cleaner air.
