6500 primary school children put their ‘Feet First’

March saw the return of ‘Feet First’, Active Cumbria’s popular five-day challenge for primary schools across the county.

Taking place once a term, Feet First encourages families to think about the way they travel to school, with the aim being to swap at least one car journey for a more active mode of travel during the challenge. Whether that’s walking, using a mobility aid or wheelchair, cycling, or scooting. 

Over 6500 children registered to take part in the Feet First challenge which took place 17-21 March.

Benefits of Active Travel

Travelling actively is an easy way to increase your daily physical activity, it’s good for your mental wellbeing, and helps children to arrive at school alert and ready to learn. Leaving the car behind helps to reduce congestion at the school gates and improves air quality.

Cumbria is a large, rural county and we know that some people live a long way from school, so it’s not always possible for families to travel actively for the whole journey. Those who need to drive can still take part by parking further away from school and walking the last part of their journey, (also known as Park & Stride), or by car sharing with another family. Children who use school transport during the active challenge week will be able to collect stickers as this also helps to reduce individual car use on the school run.

There is still time for schools to sign up for Summer. To find out more or to take part in future challenges contact Active Cumbria’s Active Travel to School Team on activetravel@activecumbria.org.