Children here are being encouraged to walk and cycle to school safely in a new £1.2 million initiative.
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and the Public Health Agency have jointly launched the Active School Travel Initiative which will deliver a programme of cycling and walking skills to 180 schools across Northern Ireland over the next three years.
The programme will also work with parents and teachers to support schools to develop a culture of active travel.
Speaking Mr Kennedy said it was important any child cycling or walking to school had the necessary skills to enable them to walk or cycle to and from school safely.
He added: “Children need to be aware of road space and the potential dangers when crossing roads. We need to invest in giving our children these vital skills and this is why I have asked Sustrans to deliver this Programme to 180 schools here over the next three years.
“Walking or cycling to school is a great way to keep fit and healthy and helps lower emission fumes in our environment. It is also, of course, fun. Exercise helps pupils to concentrate on school work and keep a healthy mind as well as a healthy body.
“I would like to create the conditions that at least 36% of primary school and 22% of post primary schools pupils are walking or cycling to school as their main mode of transport by 2015.”
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