Schools
More children are walking and cycling to school in Walsall
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New figures show that more children and families in Walsall are choosing to walk or cycle to and from school.
Data from Walsall Council’s A*STARS (Active Sustainable Travel and Road Safety) team shows a higher proportion of families are using active travel means compared to last year and are higher than national averages too.
So far, the 2024-2025 academic year shows that 61% of students are now walking to school, up from 58% in the previous year. Cycling has also seen a positive increase, with 3% of students cycling to school compared to 2% last year.
The number of students being driven to school has decreased from 34% to 33%.
This positive trend highlights the ongoing success of the council’s A*STARS programme, which was launched in 2009. At the start of the programme, only 52% of students walked to school, and just 1% cycled.
“ These figures are exactly what we want to see, and we’re really pleased children are using active travel means to get to school.
There are so many physical, emotional and social benefits from walking or cycling to school, and it also helps reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality around our schools too. “
The A*STARS programme aims to encourage active travel among students through various initiatives, including walking and cycling events, safety workshops, and infrastructure improvements. The Council works closely with schools, parents and communities to promote sustainable travel.
Park Hall Junior Academy have been involved with the initiative for over ten years. Mrs Rai, from the school, said, “A*STARS has been instrumental in helping our school promote active and sustainable travel. Through exciting challenges, interactive activities and rewards they have encouraged our pupils to walk, cycle, or scoot in a way that feels like an adventure. The scheme gives our pupils a sense of independence, plus they know they are helping the environment which makes them feel proud and empowered. This has had a real impact on our school community.”
For more information about the A*STARS programme and how you can get involved, please visit the council’s website: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roadworks-and-road-maintenance/making-our-roads-safer/road-safety-and-sustainable-travel-education
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