Walk or Wheel to School Day helps combat climate change

Christchurch schools are being encouraged to show their support for combating climate change by signing up for the Walk or Wheel to School Day.

Christchurch City Council has designated Wednesday 4 March as Walk or Wheel to School Day and is encouraging families with school aged children to leave their cars at home that day and walk, cycle, scoot or skate to school instead.

“Transport accounts for more than half of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. If we can get people using their cars less and active modes of travel more, it could make a significant difference to our carbon footprint,’’ says Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Steffan Thomas.

“The Walk or Wheel to School Day is a great way of demonstrating that active forms of transport can be a viable alternative to taking the car.

“When kids walk, cycle, skate or scoot to school it is better for the environment and better for them.

“It has been proven that active travel to school can increase children’s concentration by up to four hours. Studies also show that children who travel actively to school have better spatial awareness and more road sense than those who are driven,’’ Mr Thomas says.

There are financial benefits too when kids walk or ride to school as it saves money on fuel.

“Walking or wheeling to school has environmental, financial and health benefits so we’re hoping that all schools in Christchurch will support this initiative. If it does not suit schools to do Walk or Wheel to School Day on 4 March they are welcome to nominate another day during the year,’’ Mr Thomas says.

All schools who register for Walk or Wheel to School Day before 26 February will go into the draw to win a breakfast for the whole school with What Now hosts Erin Wells and Chris Kirk. The breakfast will be provided by MoreFM.