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90,000 join walk-to-school record bid
David Williams, Motoring Editor11 Jun 2008
Almost 90,000 school-children were aiming to walk to school today to set a new "walking bus" world record.
About 350 schools nationwide were expected to take part in the attempt, supervised by adult volunteers, which was organised to highlight the lack of road safety measures for children.
St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Walthamstow was one of the 35 London schools taking part. The school is close to a main road on an estate and has been battling traffic congestion problems.
Hilda Jackson, learning mentor at St Mary's, said: "Road safety is a priority at St Mary's and plays an important part in the curriculum.
"The record breaking walking bus is a perfect opportunity for children to help raise awareness of road safety in their community, while enjoying the fun aspects of being part of a Guinness world record attempt."
Road charity Brake, which organised the event, said it was also a protest against drivers who speed in sensitive areas.
It is calling on the Government to drop the default urban speed limit from 30mph to 20mph and introduce more pedestrian crossings, pavements and speed cameras, to make travelling to school safer.
Brake is also calling on drivers to voluntarily drop their speed to 20mph when driving past schools. The charity says that when hit at 20mph, children have a survival chance of 95 per cent, compared with just 10 per cent at 40mph.
Brake chief executive Mary Williams said: "In so many communities parents are too scared to choose the green option and allow their children to walk to school, resulting in more congestion and danger on our roads through the school run."
Officials will announce whether children have set a new record later this year.
