- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ChildrenEnvironmentHealth
- Where:
- Ireland
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 2nd Monday of June
- Holiday emoji:
- đź›´
National Scoot to School Week inspires Irish schoolchildren to embrace active travel methods like walking, cycling, or scooting every second Monday of June. This annual event, running for five days, promotes physical health, environmental awareness, and a sense of independence. Join the movement to foster healthier habits, reduce carbon footprints, and empower young commuters.
Want to sponsor National Scoot to School Week? Learn how
Expected National Scoot to School Week Deals
As a Cause holiday focused on health and environmental awareness in Ireland, National Scoot to School Week emphasizes community engagement and educational initiatives rather than commercial deals. Organizations like An Taisce Green-Schools, the program behind the week, partner with local councils and schools to provide resources, safety workshops, and encouragement for active commuting. Retailers specializing in scooters, bikes, and activewear, such as Halfords Ireland or Decathlon, may offer discounts on equipment or safety gear to support participation. Local businesses might sponsor school events or provide healthy snacks for participants. The focus remains on collective action and sustainable habits. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as June approaches.
Platform Guide for National Scoot to School Week
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ScootToSchoolWeek. Share photos and videos of children actively commuting to school.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ScootToSchoolWeek. Share statistics on active travel benefits and engage with Irish schools and parents.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ActiveTravel. Highlight corporate social responsibility initiatives supporting children’s health and sustainable transport.
National Scoot to School Week Hero
Dr. Paul Kelly
History of National Scoot to School Week
National Scoot to School Week was initiated by Green Schools Ireland in 2015 to encourage primary school students to walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport to and from school. Primary schools across Ireland participate in this annual event to promote the benefits of physical exercise to help curb childhood health problems and address environmental issues. According to a study carried out in 2018, only 13% of school children in Northern Ireland spent at least an hour a day doing physical activities. This may have been caused by several factors including their choice of play, sedentary behavior, poor diets, and an over-reliance on private transport. Meanwhile, data from a 2015 World Health Organization study shows that Ireland is at risk of becoming the most obese country in Europe. Up to one out of four children in Ireland are classified as overweight, with 6% qualifying as obese. Also, seven out of 10 Irish children are thought to not get enough exercise.
Further research by the Mary Immaculate College in Limerick found that the number of Irish children walking to school has dropped dramatically in the last few decades. Only up to 18% of Irish children regularly walk or bike to school today, in comparison with older generations. However, the problems behind these issues are clear. Children today walk less because parents usually drive them to school, binding them to that comfort. Their preferred modes of play are usually digital means such as video games, which require them to be sedentary. Social factors such as rising street crime do not help the situation either.
Despite this, the responsibility to look after children’s health falls on the parents and the children themselves. If they are taught the importance of physical exercise their minds could change. Therefore, campaigns such as National Scoot to School Week aim to raise awareness of these problems and encourage people to tackle them together.
National Scoot to School Week timeline
The National Physical Education College in Limerick opens as an institution to train Irish physical education teachers.
The Green Schools Ireland initiative is introduced.
A new motor tax charges Irish vehicle owners for the number of carbon emissions their vehicle emits.
Green Schools Ireland holds the first National Scoot to School Week.
The Climate Action Plan is signed, pledging Ireland’s promise to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Scoot to School Week
Local businesses can actively support National Scoot to School Week by promoting safe routes and offering incentives. Bike shops and sports retailers can host free safety checks for scooters and bicycles, or provide discounts on helmets and reflective gear. Cafes and restaurants near schools might offer a small healthy treat or discount to children who arrive by active transport, creating a fun reward system. Businesses can also partner with local schools to sponsor active travel challenges, providing prizes for classes with the highest participation rates.
National Scoot to School Week FAQs
When is National Scoot to School Week?
In 2027, National Scoot to School Week will take place from Monday, June 14, to Friday, June 18. This annual event consistently champions sustainable travel and childhood independence.
How many children actively commute to school in Ireland?
For 2027, the goal remains to boost active travel. The Department of Transport’s ‘Smarter Travel’ program has set targets to increase the percentage of children walking or cycling to school, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and safety.
What are the main benefits of active travel to school?
Beyond physical health, active commuting in 2027 significantly contributes to better air quality by reducing car emissions, addressing a critical environmental concern in urban areas. It also builds vital road safety skills from a young age.
Is National Scoot to School Week only for scooters?
While ‘scoot’ is in the title, the 2027 event encompasses a wider ‘active travel’ message. It’s about any non-motorized journey, promoting personal mobility, health, and environmental benefits for all participants.
National Scoot to School Week Activities
Walk, bike, or scoot to school
The best way to celebrate this event is to ditch the cars and use your legs. For the abled, take your bike, scooter, or even walk to your school in the spirit of the event. Doing so will help boost your physical health and can help create a sense of independence.
Use public transport
If you do not have a bike or scooter or live too far to walk, you can use public transport to get to class! One of the goals of National Scoot to School Week is to lessen the environmental damage caused by constant car use. Using public transport will not only help the environment but can also increase your navigational skills, allowing you to know your surroundings better.
Raise awareness and spread the word
Spread the word on your social media pages regarding National Scoot to School Week. The more people who are interested in partaking in the event, the better!
5 Health Benefits Of Exercise For Children
Academic performance
Increased physical activity can help improve a child’s attention span and memory.
Brain health
Exercise can reduce the risks of depression and other stress-induced mental-health issues.
Long-term health
Regular exercise at a young age can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases in the future.
Muscular fitness
Frequent physical activity helps build a child’s stamina and physical strength.
Weight regulation
Exercise can improve a child’s blood pressure and fitness while regulating and reducing body fat in the process.
Why We Love National Scoot to School Week
It encourages healthier thinking for kids
National Scoot to School Week encourages children to become more aware of their health and the environment. It teaches them valuable lessons that can help them live healthier, smarter lives in the future.
It helps tackle air pollution
The more people who participate in this event, the greater the impact. If the amount of cars on the road decreases, then so too will the amount of air pollution. This will be very beneficial for the environment and can help maintain Ireland’s quality of life for years to come.
It is an inclusive event
National Scoot to School Week is an inclusive event that encourages everyone to play their part in keeping their health and the environment in check. Even disabled students can participate by using public transportation or even carpooling. While the focus is on physical exercise, the main environmental goal is to lessen the number of cars on the road. Carpooling is a great way to do this.
National Scoot to School Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 18–22 | Monday–Friday |
| 2027 | June 14–18 | Monday–Friday |
| 2028 | June 12–16 | Monday–Friday |
| 2029 | June 11–15 | Monday–Friday |
| 2030 | June 10–14 | Monday–Friday |
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