New' Stride to School' initiative aims to get Waterford students walking and cycling

Students across Waterford are being encouraged to swap the car for their own two feet as a new Stride to School initiative gets underway.

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Waterford Sports Partnership, is inviting secondary schools to sign up to the scheme, which promotes walking and cycling as healthier and more sustainable ways of travelling to and from school.

The move follows the success of similar projects elsewhere, with Tramore's Ardscoil na Mara seeing a 40% drop in the number of students travelling by car after introducing active travel in 2023.

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Organisers say the benefits go beyond exercise: reducing traffic, cutting carbon emissions, and even helping students feel more connected to their peers.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, said: "Stride to School is all about making the journey to and from school more fun and social. Walking or cycling with friends is a great way to feel energised and connected."

Active Travel Communications and Behavioural Change Officer at Waterford City and County Council, Dylan White, said walking to school can set a positive tone for the day, while Waterford Sports Partnership's Jordan Kelly encouraged students to travel in groups for safety and enjoyment.

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"Walking to school sets a positive tone for the day. It's a great way for students to socialise before and after classes, get some exercise, reduce traffic, and make the school environment safer for everyone," White commented. "We hope to support secondary schools across Waterford in starting the Stride to School initiative."

Schools interested in taking part can contact activetravel@waterfordcouncil.ie for details.