Children who walk or cycle to school have higher levels of concentration and are more likely to develop road safety sense at a young age.

This is according to new studies from SLAN and HSBC, which reveal over half of all pupils live no more than a 20 to 30 minute walk from their school.

Meanwhile, almost 80 per cent live within five kilometres, yet less than 40 per cent walk or ride their bike to school.

With the cost of running a car increasing annually, parents were urged to encourage their children to embrace traditional methods of travel.

Walking and pedalling are good ways for youngsters to undertake daily physical activity and give them the chance to interact with their peers, as well as learn road sense.

Studies suggest that children and young adults should exert themselves for at least 60 minutes a day at a moderate level in order to remain fit and healthy.

Written by Donal Walsh

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