Walk to School Week, marked on May 20 to 25, is a holiday celebrated every year in the U.K. It is an annual walking challenge that aims to encourage more children to walk as a form of exercise. Walking to school allows more children to reach their recommended 60 minutes minimum of physical activity per day — this is even before the day is started! It educates people about the importance of regular exercise, and they get a better understanding of the numerous health benefits of exercise. Walk to School Week has been adopted by thousands of students in the U.K.
History of Walk to School Week UK
Walk to School Week is observed by students in the U.K. every year in May. It is usually a 5-day challenge, and the record is of over 350,000 pupils across the country taking part. The holiday aims to encourage a more healthy lifestyle among children — by walking, kids can be more active and get a proper amount of exercise every day. The minimum amount of exercise a growing child should get is 60 minutes per day. By just walking to school in the morning, children can meet this target and eventually surpass it during the school day. Getting exercise in the morning would help the children by improving their focus and concentration. It also instills a sense of physical and mental well-being. Children need exercise to develop strong bones and increase muscle strength, and exercise also helps to get the heart pumping, improves cognitive function, and improves mood. Exercise is a good way to kick start a positive and productive day.
Walking to school can make children feel more independent and confident. They get a better sense of responsibility and feel more in control of themselves. Their navigation skills are boosted as they learn the route from home to school, and through practice, they will learn road safety and how to protect themselves in public. Children who are old enough to walk to school on their own usually already have the knowledge and confidence they need to get to school safely and on time.
Walk to School Week helps to reduce traffic in the morning. By walking, we can reduce congestion, carbon emissions, and pollution. In the long run, this leads to cleaner air and fewer cars on the roads. By taking part in this holiday, children can build strong bonds in the community and enjoy increased social interaction.
Walk to School Week UK timeline
The very first Walk to School event is held and only five primary schools take part.
The Pedestrians Association uses Child Safety Week to drive this Walk to School campaign on a national level.
May is identified as the month to host the Walk to School Week.
The first-ever International Walk to School Day is launched with participating schools from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Cyprus, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.
Walk to School Week UK FAQs
What is the best length for a walk?
The recommended amount of steps per day is 10,000.
Should I walk every day or every other day?
Organizations recommend walking around five days a week.
Can walking flatten your stomach?
Walking as an exercise can help reduce overall fat, including belly fat.
Walk to School Week UK Activities
Take a walk
You can participate in the holiday by enjoying the benefits of a good walk. You will feel good and save on transportation.
Encourage kids to walk
You can encourage children around you to walk to school. You can explain all the reasons why they should.
Share the holiday
You can share the fun holiday with your friends and family. It is a week that can benefit many people.
5 Facts About Walking
It helps reduce body fat
Brisk walking can help to reduce body fat.
It lowers blood pressure
Brisk walking daily can help control blood pressure.
Walking is a sport
Racewalking is an official Olympic sport.
Beliveau walked around the world
Jean Beliveau walked 46,600 miles around 64 countries and the trip took him 11 years.
Americans don’t walk much
Americans take just about 5,000 steps on average per day.
Why We Love Walk to School Week UK
It bolsters good health
The holiday encourages more people to be health-conscious. It can also be a starting point to taking better care of themselves.
It supports healthy diets
The holiday helps to promote healthier diets for children and adults. It has a good impact on people’s lives.
It is fun
Walking can be a fun activity when it is done with friends! Invite others to take a walk and you get the benefits of exercising and hanging out at the same time.
Walk to School Week UK dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 20 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | May 20 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 20 | Thursday |
| 2028 | May 20 | Saturday |
| 2029 | May 20 | Sunday |
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