Belfast school now operates 'walking bus' for pupils 5 days a week

A Belfast school is now offering a daily walking bus service for pupils five days a week after trying it for the first time this year.

St Therese of Lisieux in the north of the city is one of just three schools to take part in the Belfast Healthy Cities project this year, with Currie Primary School and St Brides both increasing existing walking buses. Our Lady's Primary School has also set up a walking bus pilot with their support.

Walking buses aim to get kids out of cars and exercising on the way to school, with teachers reporting it helps them to arrive more alert and ready to learn, enhancing their academic performance and overall well-being.

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The initiative also reduces traffic in and around schools, reducing air pollution from cars which can harm kids' development and impact respiratory conditions like asthma.

Belfast Healthy Cities champions sustainable travel and the use of greenspaces through the walking bus project. It mimics the traditional route, where children walk to school together under the supervision of adults, promoting a healthy, active lifestyle with environmental consciousness at its heart.

Charlene Brooks, Chief Executive Officer at Belfast Healthy Cities commented: "By reducing reliance on car travel, the Walking Bus initiative not only decreases air pollution and traffic congestion in residential areas but also enhances the environmental and social fabric of our community.

"Our organisation is committed to fostering a healthier, more sustainable Belfast and we see the Walking Bus as a key contributor to achieving this vision."

Siobhan McTaggart, Principal at St Therese of Lisieux Primary School, said: "Our school was delighted to take part in the Belfast Healthy Cities walking bus initiative.

"The children enjoy chatting to their friends and to the staff while walking to school in the mornings and it is a great way to promote a healthier lifestyle.

"As an Eco School, we are also very conscious of the environmental benefits. We are very grateful to the staff who volunteered to facilitate this project."

The launch at St Therese of Lisieux has led to the establishment of a daily Walking Bus, now operational five days a week. Additionally, participation has increased in existing walking buses at Currie Primary School and St Brides Primary School.

Each participating school received high-visibility vests, stickers, reflective key chains, and 'stop and go' paddles to ensure safety and visibility on their journeys.

Belfast Healthy Cities aims to extend this initiative, encouraging more schools across Belfast to make walking a preferred choice for school commutes.

The project is supported by the Ministerial Advisory Group and the Public Health Agency.

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