Welsh Active Journeys Initiative Underway
**Active Journeys Programme in Wales Encourages Active Travel for School Children**
The Active Journeys programme, funded by the Welsh Government, is an initiative designed to promote active travel for children and young people in Wales. The programme aims to encourage children to walk, cycle, or wheel to school safely and regularly, while also supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion, and improving road safety.
**Objectives**
The programme's objectives include increasing the number of children traveling actively, improving health and wellbeing, enhancing safety on routes to schools, reducing car traffic congestion and pollution around school areas, and supporting changes in travel culture among families and communities.
**Impact**
Schools participating in the Active Journeys programme have reported increased active travel rates, positive effects on children’s physical health and mental wellbeing, safer school environments with reduced traffic incidents, raised awareness and improved infrastructure for walking and cycling, and a contribution to Wales’ wider transport and public health strategies.
**Support for Schools**
To receive support from the Active Journeys programme, schools are required to complete an Active Travel School Plan (ATSP). This plan should outline the desired travel behaviour change among pupils and families. Schools are also asked to complete annual travel surveys, establish at least two Active Journeys Champions, involve pupils in planning, provide good quality cycle and scooter storage, attend teacher training opportunities, and actively promote active travel through assemblies and activities.
The programme offers a range of activities and lessons to build confidence, enthusiasm, and skills for active travel. It also provides help to address specific travel issues around the school, incentives for the school community, access to activity guides, materials in line with the Curriculum for Wales, and online challenges.
**How to Apply**
Schools can apply for support through their local authority or the Welsh Government’s Active Travel team. Support includes funding for infrastructure, training for pupils and staff, road safety workshops, and promotional activities.
For detailed application procedures and current support offers, schools typically refer to official Welsh Government transport or health departments' websites or contact their Local Authority Active Travel Officers.
**Additional Information**
An Active Journeys leaflet provides more information about the project, and a toolkit is available for guidance on completing an ATSP. The programme has a positive impact on levels of active travel on the school run, as shown by data collected through travel surveys, with a 24.6% increase in active travel and a 29.9% decrease in car use for schools receiving support from the Active Journeys programme.
For further questions about the Active Journeys programme, an email address is provided.
Traveling can be an integral part of both home-and-garden and lifestyle, as one might take a bike ride through picturesque gardens or walk to a local farmers' market. The Active Journeys programme, while originally focused on promoting active travel for school children in Wales, could inspire an expansion to encourage families to embrace active travel for their daily commutes, contributing to healthier lifestyles and reduced traffic congestion.
