When we were kids... most of us walked to school every day. We would chat to our friends on the way and arrive fit, refreshed and ready to start the school day. Congestion from school run traffic was not a big issue and the school gates were not such danger zones.

• Unfortunately  many children are now driven to and from school every day. Not all children go  to their nearest school. Lifestyles have changed; walking to school does not  always fit in with our busy schedules. Increased traffic makes parents worry about their children walking alone, so they drive them and become part of the problem.

• We want to give more children the opportunity to walk all or part of the way to school safely every day. And we've got some practical ideas of how you can help make this happen at your school.

• If you are a parent, teacher or governor interested in finding out about the Walking Bus, Park & Stride or other schemes you have come to the right place. We can also let you know what other help is available and how to get more parents motivated to join you.

The information we provide is intended to supplement the support available from your local authority school travel advisor.