What is the Active Journeys programme?

Active Journeys is a Welsh Government-funded schools programme that helps children across the country to safely, easily and confidently travel to school actively – by walking, wheeling, scootering or cycling.

We work with all kinds of schools and their staff, collaborating with local authorities, to improve routes and create a culture that supports pupils travelling sustainably.

Our Active Journeys Officers deliver engaging activities to build the confidence, enthusiasm and skills of learners, teachers, parents and carers in our communities.

The activities, lessons and educational resources we provide support schools’ efforts in achieving Eco-Schools and Healthy Schools awards, as well as working towards the Sustrans Active Travel School Award.

For example, by using our Tali Teithio travel tracker, schools can count up their active journeys and see how much carbon they've saved by choosing to walk, wheel or cycle to school instead of using the car.

Why take part in the Active Journeys programme?

Active Journeys schools see a significant increase in the number of young people and families travelling to school actively – an average increase of 25% after one year of support from the Active Journeys programme.

Travelling actively to and from school helps improve the physical health and wellbeing of the school community, as well as improving concentration, performance and behaviour.

Put simply, active travel leads to healthier and more confident individuals.

Our collaborative, inclusive approach involves staff, pupils, parents and carers in planning and delivery, which empowers schools to be independent and generate positive changes for the wider community through sustainable travel behaviours.

After one year on the programme, Active Journeys schools see an average decrease of 30% in car use on the school run, which means a reduction in traffic, problem parking and congestion – this helps improve air quality for the school and the local community.