Pupils get on their bikes for school run
Children in Perth and Kinross are getting on their bike to get to school, according to new statistics.
Figures released by Sustrans show the proportion of kids in the region cycling to school has jumped from just 2.7 per cent in 2008 to 4.5 per cent last year.
And as kids opt for two wheels, the proportion of children walking to their school has dropped in that same period from 43.3 per cent to 39.2 per cent.
The findings form part of the annual 2017 Hands Up Scotland Survey.
Funded by Transport Scotland, the survey was carried out by Sustrans Scotland in partnership with all 32 Scottish local authorities.
The Perth and Kinross cycling figure is above the national average of 3.7 per cent.
And it is not just bikes kids are dusting out for their journeys.
In 2008 less than one per cent of pupils made their way to classes by scooter or skating, but that figure has risen to 3.5 per cent in 2017.
As a result, more traditional methods of
Initiatives like this at Muthill PS has boosted the number of pupils going to school by bike travelling to school have Scotland’s national decreased. director John Lauder said:
The percentage of “It is particularly children walking is now encouraging to see a just above 39 percent continued rise in the while it had been over 43 per cent in 2008. number of pupils cycling
Similarly, the proportion to school each day. of children relying on Research has shown that parents driving them has increased physical activity fallen significantly, from can help us lead healthier 24.6 per cent in 2008 to – and happier – lives. 18.6 per cent. “By encouraging young
The number of kids people to travel actively getting the school bus has fluctuated but is now at for their journey to school, 21.4 per cent, roughly the we can ensure Scotland’s same as 10 years ago. children develop healthier
Commenting on the travel habits that will be findings, Sustrans continued later in life.”