Championing Active Travel Through Walking and Wheeling
At FEL Scotland, our mission has always been to inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles through active travel. While our roots lie in promoting cycling, scootering and skateboarding, we’ve expanded our focus to embrace walking as a vital component of active travel. This holistic approach is exemplified in our Active Travel Hubs and our enthusiastic participation in initiatives like Walk to School Week.
Active Travel Hubs: Cultivating a Culture of Movement
Since launching Scotland’s first school-based Active Travel Hub at Lornshill Academy in 2019, we’ve established hubs in eight secondary schools across Forth Valley, including Alloa Academy, Bannockburn High, Balfron High and Larbert High. These hubs serve as dynamic centres where pupils, staff and the wider community engage in activities that promote active travel.
Our hubs offer a diverse range of programmes:
- Active Travel Taster Sessions – introducing pupils to various modes of active travel
- Route Planning Workshops – empowering pupils to navigate their local areas safely
- Bike Maintenance Courses – providing practical skills for sustainable travel
- Competitions – encouraging participation through events like Cycle to School Week and step count challenges
These initiatives have led to remarkable outcomes. For example, Alloa Academy reports cycling rates nearly seven times the national average for secondary schools.
Embracing Walking: Walk Leader Training and Beyond
Recognising the importance of walking, we’ve partnered with Paths for All to pilot Walk Leader Training programmes. Balfron High School was the first to implement this initiative, training senior pupils to lead safe and enjoyable walks within their communities. The success of this pilot has led to the programme’s expansion across our other Active Travel Hubs.
This training not only promotes physical activity but also fosters leadership skills and community engagement among young people. By equipping pupils with the tools to lead, we’re cultivating a generation that values and advocates for active lifestyles.
Celebrating Walk to School Week
Each May, we actively take part in Walk to School Week, a nationwide campaign by Living Streets that encourages pupils to embrace walking as a mode of transport. Our hubs organise events and activities that highlight the benefits of walking—from improved health to environmental sustainability.
These celebrations are more than symbolic; they reinforce our commitment to making walking a viable and attractive option for daily travel. By integrating walking into our broader active travel strategy, we’re ensuring that our approach is inclusive and comprehensive.
Looking Ahead: A Holistic Approach to Active Travel
Our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re continually exploring innovative ways to promote active travel in all its forms. From developing vibrant active travel maps linking schools and community hubs to expanding our training programmes, we’re dedicated to creating environments where walking, cycling and wheeling are accessible and encouraged.
At FEL Scotland, we believe that active travel is more than a mode of transport—it’s a pathway to healthier individuals and stronger communities. By embracing walking alongside other forms of active travel, we’re taking strides towards a more sustainable and connected future.
For more on our hubs and initiatives, visit our Community Hubs page. To learn more about Walk Leader Training, see Paths for All’s video resource.
