Dear Editor
We are writing in support of national charity Living Streets’ call to see 60% of children walking to school by 2029. Fewer than half of primary school aged children walk to school in England, this is a drop from 70% a generation ago.
When we design streets for children, we create places that work better for everyone. Increased walking rates will reduce road casualties, reduce congestion, improve health and air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and boost our economy.
A combination of ambitious yet realistic targets, at least 10% of transport budgets spent on active travel, improved road safety in our neighbourhoods and empowering local authorities to make the right transport decisions, would go a long way to creating safer streets for children to walk and play.
Walking to school is at the heart of The Green Party‘s transport policy and locally we have supported the setting up of bike buses across the city. This policy will also contribute to addressing the current climate, economic and health crises.
Yours sincerely,
Karen Lewing and Hannah Cooper
Arboretum Ward City Councillors
Worcester Green Party
(Letter to Worcester News, published 19 April 2024)