Recent research suggests both primary and secondary schools have seen an increase in the number of pupils walking or cycling there and back.
The Health Improvement Commission runs an active travel survey twice a year with children giving a show of hands when asked if they have been driven to and from school or made their way there by another method.
Active travel can include walking, cycling, or scooting in this instance said the HIC, and it also includes ‘blended travel’ with some schools encouraging children to be dropped off a distance away from the classroom before walking the final section – sometimes referred to as ‘Park and Stride’.
The HIC said the latest results show a definite “upwards trend” , with the data suggesting the number of pupils using active travel methods to get to and from school is now more prevalent than those travelling by car compared to four years ago.
In primary settings, active travel has increased by 14% points since October 2021 from 37% to 51%, said the HIC, while active travel to and from secondary schools has increased by 9% points since October 2021 from 29% to 38%.
Amy Woollaston, Active Travel Officer at the Health Improvement Commission, said it is really pleasing to see the results show behaviours are changing.
“It is great to see a steady upwards trend in active travel to and from Guernsey schools, with May 2024 to May 2025 having the highest levels of active travel since records began in 2020,” she said.
“As the survey is a snapshot in time, there will always be a level of fluctuation due to factors such as weather or infrastructure changes, but when there are well thought out initiatives and sustainable strategies in place aimed at promoting active travel, long-term behaviour change is possible.”
Some schools have made changes to enable pupils to make active travel choices, including the school streets in St Martin’s and near La Houguette, with support of the HIC and ESC.
Ms Wollaston said the HIC is always looking for more ways to help too.
“The Be Active team at the Health Improvement Commission are committed to enabling more people to be more active more often with walking or cycling to school on a regular basis being one of the easiest ways to do this. We strive to make the school run a healthier and more mindful experience for all by encouraging initiatives and advocating for improved environments that make active travel the easier and more attractive option.
“Our challenge is to sustain the momentum seen on Better Journeys Week and in the summer months. La Houguette have followed in St Martins’ steps and introduced a School Street, and we are keen to support more schools with their travel plans, working alongside the Traffic and Highways team, helping them to achieve more active travel and less congestion around their school site.
“Bikeability continues to run excellent, inclusive cycle training in schools, and we aim to focus more on improving adult cycling skills so that the whole family has the confidence to cycle to and from school. Walking buses and cycle trains are another example of a fun intervention that enables more children to travel actively. Finally, what is also positive to note is that levels of car usage are below levels of active travel in both primary and secondary schools.”