Sat Sep 14 07:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Guernsey Celebrates Drop in Childhood Obesity Linked to Active Travel Boom
**Guernsey, Channel Islands:** A significant decrease in childhood obesity on the island has been linked to a dramatic rise in active travel among children, according to recent data. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of students walking and cycling to and from school increased from 29% to 40%. During the same period, obesity rates in Year 5 children dropped from 30% to nearly 25%, a figure significantly lower than the national average in England.
Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez believes the two trends are directly related. “While I’m not a data scientist or public health expert, it seems likely that active travel initiatives have played a significant role in this positive change,” she said. “It’s often said that if physical activity could be bottled, it would be dispensed as a miracle cure.”
The island is celebrating this success, particularly noting the efforts of St Martin’s Primary School and the Health Improvement Commission. St Martin’s boasts a remarkable achievement with only one in 20 children being dropped off and picked up by car, making it the school with the highest active travel participation in the British Isles.
“It’s been a real team effort, especially at St Martin’s, where the children were at the heart of driving forward the initiative,” said Alex Costen, active travel officer at the Health Improvement Commission. “The school and the commission have rejuvenated the playground, restoring it to its intended purpose – for children to play.”
The successful closure of the road outside St Martin’s has led to a trial of a second “school street” at La Houguette Primary School, with a section of Rue de L’Arquet closed during drop-off and pick-up times.
The positive trend in active travel isn’t limited to children, with data from the Better Journeys Project showing a 48.3% increase in walking and cycling for journeys into St Peter Port between April 2022 and June 2024.
“Travelling under our own steam is a great way for more of us to be more active,” said Deputy de Sausmarez. “It’s encouraging to see the number of people in the island making journeys by foot or bike skyrocket over the last couple of years.”
The island’s success in promoting active travel is a beacon of hope for tackling childhood obesity and encouraging healthier lifestyles. This positive shift in behavior has not only improved children’s health but also reduced pressure on the island’s health service, contributing to a healthier future for all.
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