Students get walking

Despite the weather, students across Jersey swapped wheels for feet during the third annual Island-wide Walk to School Fortnight which took place during the last two weeks of May.

 

Pupils from both primary and secondary schools were encouraged to walk to school either part of the way or for their entire journey, and used classroom resources provided by Eco-Active to keep them motivated. Participating schools were also asked to complete a travel survey by Transport and Technical Services (TTS) to track their progress. 

 

The survey shows Janvrin primary school had the highest number of students who walked to school on the final day of the fortnight. Trinity primary school had the best overall increase in walking and the highest reduction in car use over the two week period. Deputy John Le Fondre, the Assistant Minister of TTS will be presenting certificates to the winning schools during their morning assemblies as well as taking a few photos with the students.

 

‘Free Your Feet Fortnight’ was also a success at secondary schools. Skye Channing from Le Rocquier School and Kelsei Price from Jersey College for Girls, were the two students who had the highest walking hours recorded and will receive high street vouchers for their efforts.

 

Transport Awareness Officer for TTS, Ania Deichsel, said “The fortnights were a great way to help schools raise awareness of active, more sustainable forms of travel and which support the school travel plan process. The campaigns encourage a shift away from the car, evident at Trinity school. Based on this year’s feedback, we have already started planning a wider ‘Green Travel Fortnight’ for future years so that we can encourage even more modal shift through bus use, car sharing and of course cycling.”

 

Department of the Environment Eco-Active Manager, Jane Burns, added “We very much hope that all schools, their pupils and families will continue to promote greener, safer, and healthier journeys. We are looking for long-term behaviour changes, as seen at Janvrin school, to continue to make walking to school more popular.“