We’re absolutely delighted to be top of the Active Travel leaderboard in the WOW Walk to School Competition! 🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️

At St Malachy's, we are committed to helping every child develop healthy habits, reduce their carbon footprint and travel to school safely and sustainably. Our dedicated team of Active Travel Inspectors and WOW Ambassadors champions walking, wheeling and cycling, promoting the benefits to pupils, families and our wider community.

Travelling actively is an important part of our school’s sustainability vision. We encourage all families to make active travel part of their daily routine whenever possible.

Why We Promote Walking, Wheeling and Cycling

• Health & Wellbeing
  Walking, wheeling and cycling help children stay fitter and healthier. Being active before school boosts mood, improves concentration, and supports higher levels of achievement.

• Cleaner Air & A Safer Environment
  Active travel reduces the number of vehicles near school, cutting pollution and making the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Fewer cars also ease congestion for local residents.

• Building Independence
  Travelling actively helps pupils learn road awareness, develop independence and gain confidence.

Five Great Reasons to Walk, Wheel or Cycle to School

1. Catch up with friends
2. It’s good for the planet
3. Boosts brain power
4. Maintains a healthy lifestyle
5. Helps make you street‑smart and safe

Park and Stride

What is Park and Stride?
A simple way for families who need to drive part of the journey to still enjoy the benefits of walking.

Why try Park and Stride?
Children who walk to school arrive more alert and ready to learn. It’s good gentle exercise, great for wellbeing, and helps reduce emissions near the school gates.

How to Park and Stride
Park at a safe place at least 5 minutes’ walk from school.

Pedestrian Safety Reminders

• Eyes up (avoid mobile phones and distractions)
• Slow down near roads
• Cross safely, using designated crossing points

We ask all families to reinforce these messages at home and help keep our pupils safe.

Cycling to School

Cycling is an excellent way for pupils to keep active. Our school supports young cyclists by providing:

• Secure cycle parking and storage facilities
• Opportunities for pupils to practise skills during lunchtime clubs
• Access to Bikeability training (where available)

Families can plan safe cycling routes using tools such as:

• Komoot (route planner for cycling and walking)
• CycleStreets (UK-wide cycle journey planner)
• cycle.travel (quiet-road and traffic‑free routes)

Cycling Safety Reminders

• Wear a helmet
• Make sure your bike is roadworthy
• Follow the rules of the road
• Be bright and visible—especially in darker months

Travelling by Car

We ask families who must drive to do so safely and considerately by:

• Following all site‑specific restrictions
• Never parking or stopping on zig‑zag lines
• Respecting speed limits around school
• Avoiding unsafe or inconsiderate parking

Please Avoid Idling

What is idling?
Leaving your engine running while the car is stationary.

Why does it matter?
Idling creates harmful emissions that particularly affect children, whose lungs are still developing.

What does the law say?
The Highway Code (Rule 123) states drivers must not leave a parked vehicle with the engine running unnecessarily. Local Authorities can issue a £20 fine.

How can we help?
Turn off your engine when stationary. It protects our children’s health and improves air quality around school.

Car Sharing

Where possible, please consider car sharing to reduce congestion.