New initiative encourages students to walk or cycle to school

THE Virgen de la Candelaria Elementary School in Benagalbon has been the first to launch an educational initiative encouraging students to walk or cycle to and from school so they can become more independent.

The project started on March 9 and consists of providing a safe route to school for the students to walk in a group, with the support of monitors and educators from the community.   

The fundamental objectives of the project are to develop the movement of students around the school, and to reduce the number of vehicles going to the school in order to reduce pollution, traffic problems and safety risks. The campaign also hopes to encourage children to become more active. 

The school in Benagalbon is one of three that have started the project in the area of Rincon de la Victoria.

The first route for the enthusiastic children started on foot at 8.30am on a footpath near the garden centre and headed through the village to the school gates. The Josefina Aldecoa School in Torre de Benagalbon has also offered a bicycle route since last October in collaboration with the local council, educators and Local Police.