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Ministers want 60% of children walking or cycling to school by 2035

Ministers want 60% of children walking or cycling to school by 2035

Summary

The UK government plans to have 60% of children aged 5 to 16 walking or cycling to school by 2035 through safer routes and more support. The strategy includes building thousands of new walking and cycling paths, improving crossings, and creating a national network accessible on apps to encourage active travel.

Key Facts

  • The government aims for 60% of children in England to walk or cycle to school by 2035.
  • Currently, 47% of children aged five to 16 usually walk or cycle to school.
  • A £4.5 billion investment will fund 5,000 walking, wheeling, and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings by 2030.
  • £135 million is allocated to training children to travel safely and helping schools develop travel plans.
  • At least half of all short trips in towns and cities should be walked or cycled by 2035, up from 48% now.
  • The plan includes creating a national walking and cycling network with consistent signs and app access within five years.
  • The strategy aims to promote health, save money for households, and reduce pressure on the NHS by encouraging physical activity.
  • Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Health Secretary James Murray support the plan for safer and healthier travel options.
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