Creating safer routes should be a priority

In an ideal world, all children would either walk or cycle to school. Of course, life is rarely as idyllic as it should be and the reality is somewhat different.

However, while it may not be possible for every family, there is little doubt more young people could be encouraged to walk or cycle to their place of learning.

The biggest impediment seems to be the sometimes selfish behaviour of other parents who want to drop off their own cherished youngsters as close as possible to the school gates.

For some, the presence of double yellow lines and – sometimes – even uniformed police officers are not enough to deter them from parking up right outside, forcing others to take evasive action as they attempt to walk, cycle or scoot to class.

A change in attitude is desperately required and, as ever, education is the key. We all know the problems that can stem from obesity – and that more and more young people are suffering as a result of being overweight.

Lifestyle in general is now more sedentary than it has ever been in the past, and the rapid growth of technology is only likely to hasten that change.

Chances to get our young people out into the great outdoors are few and far between – perhaps it is time for many families to view the commute to school as a golden opportunity.