Infrastructure Minister was at St Mary's on the Hill
Primary School, Glengormley today to see pupils participating in
the Active School Travel Programme.
The Programme, which is jointly funded by the Department for
Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency, is delivered by Walk
Wheel Cycle Trust (formerly known as Sustrans).
Minister Kimmins said: “I was delighted to come to St
Mary's on the Hill and was very impressed with the cycling skills
on display from the pupils today as they participated in a
session to learn new skills and to become more confident on two
wheels.
“Choosing walking, wheeling and cycling is something we
can all consider for our every day journeys and I am pleased that
my Department, in partnership with the Public Health Agency,
provide funding to allow for the Active School Travel Programme
which is delivered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust . The Programme
helps toincrease the number of children who
regularly walk, wheel or cycle to school, reaping the positive
health and wellbeing benefits that active travel can
bring.
“It is encouraging to see pupils of St Mary's
participating in and enjoying the Programme firsthand and I would
encourage schools to participate in behavioural change programmes
where possible to improve our children's confidence and
proficiency in walking, wheeling and cycling.
“All the pupils were champions today and
I look forward to seeing them continue their active travel
journeys throughout their schooldays and beyond.”
David Tumilty, Senior Health Improvement Manager at the PHA said:
“Encouraging children to build active travel into their daily
routines from a young age is a key part of supporting long-term
health and wellbeing. Cycling, in particular, is a fantastic way
for young people to stay physically active – it helps improve
cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, and
supports overall development.
“Regular physical activity like cycling also helps children
arrive at school more alert, focused, and ready to learn, which
can have a positive impact on their performance in the classroom.
The Active School Travel Programme not only helps pupils develop
confidence and independence, but also fosters healthier habits
that can last a lifetime.”
Claire Pollock, Head of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in N.Ireland
(formerly Sustrans) said: “The Active School Travel programme is
the only project tackling the school run in Northern Ireland and
has proven its success over the past 10 years in enabling more
children to travel actively to school. St Mary's on the Hill
Primary is an excellent example of a school that is embracing the
many benefits of active travel. After just two years in the
programme, the number of pupils walking and wheeling to school
has increased from 40% to 68%, while the number of pupils being
driven to school has reduced from 60% to 32%. Next week is Cycle
to School Week (13-17 October), and we encourage schools across
the country to mark the week by celebrating pupils who choose to
use pedal power for the school run."
Notes to editors:
- The Active School Travel Programme currently costs £0.5m per
year to deliver, with 50% met by DFI and 50% by The Public Health
Agency
- The Programme is delivered by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
(formerly Sustrans). In 2023/24 502 schools participated.
