As the year rolls into the spring, we take a look at some of the highlights of the year so far from the Welsh Government-funded Active Journeys programme.
Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland Director, Fiona MacLeod, speaking at the Active Journeys celebration event held at the Senedd.
This year marks a decade of the Active Travel School Award (ATSA), an initiative that recognises schools demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting and encouraging walking, wheeling and cycling.
Over the past 10 years, 123 schools have proudly achieved an award, with nine of those achieving their Gold Award - a fantastic achievement, but we want to see more schools joining in and getting those numbers even higher.
To celebrate, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust hosted a special anniversary event at the Senedd, bringing together schools, partners and supporters to reflect on the impact of travelling actively across Cymru.
The event showcased all the wonderful work and achievements of schools in their efforts to promote and embed sustainable travel choices, with Ysgol Glannau Gwaun receiving the latest Gold Award.
12,740
journeys recorded on Tali Teithio
158
activities delivered
Empowering the voices of children and young people through the programme
One of the most effective ways to embed walking, wheeling and cycling in your school is by setting up a pupil voice group.
This could take the form of an Active Travel Crew, Junior Road Safety Officers, or by including walking, wheeling and cycling into existing groups such as the school council or eco committee.
These groups can play a key role in promoting sustainable and healthy travel across the school community.
Pupils can help plan events, design posters, support walking buses, act as cycle-storage monitors, and contribute to many other initiatives that encourage safe and sustainable travel.
At the recent celebration, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun's Road Safety Crew showcased the fantastic work they've been doing.
The pupils from the Fishguard school have route planned their very own scooter trail around the local area and created user guides to show others where to go and how to use the trail safely.
Their enthusiasm and creativity are brilliant examples of how pupil-led projects can make a real difference.
Pupils from Ysgol Gellionnen in Swansea enjoying a bike ride along National Cycle Network Route 43.
Exploring local routes and building confident young people
Helping pupils connect with their local area is an important part of the work our Active Journeys programme does.
Our Active Journeys Officers have been supporting schools through mapping lessons and safe route audit walks, giving pupils the chance to explore their surroundings with a different approach.
These sessions help pupils think critically about their journeys by learning how to assess a route and consider what makes it safe, accessible and enjoyable for walking, wheeling or cycling.
This involves identifying safe crossing points and spotting potential hazards so that pupils gain practical skills that can support independent, confident travel.
Down south, pupils from Pillgwenlly, Park and Gilfach Fargoed primary schools took part in hands-on investigations of their local streets.
With guidance from an Active Journeys Officer, they explored routes around their schools, including parks, shopping areas and nearby residential streets.
Along the way, pupils identified park and stride locations, alternative routes through green spaces and key areas where improvements could make travelling safer.
In the north, schools in Connah's Quay have also been investigating their local area, using maps and digital images to support their route planning.
Map skills are an essential part of learning how to choose and navigate a safe journey - key skills for the pupils to develop confidence in interpreting their surroundings both on paper and in real life.
Together, these activities are helping pupils develop a stronger sense of place, fostering independence, and empowering them to make safer, more sustainable travel choices.
56%
of recorded journeys on Tali Teithio were made sustainably
43
schools engaged
Supporting cycling adventures in and around Swansea
Our local Active Journeys Officer has been working closely with Ysgol Gellionnen as they prepared for an exciting sponsored bike ride.
In the lead-up to the event, pupils, staff and volunteers received practical support including bike safety checks and tune-ups to ensure everyone was confident and ready to ride.
On the day of the event, pupils enjoyed a cycling journey along National Cycle Network Route 43 and the scenic canal-side cycle path near Clydach.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the whole school community to come together, celebrate travelling actively, and experience the joy of cycling in a safe and supportive environment.
