Munich offers help for children starting the walk to school on Tuesday

Thousands of children in Munich start school on Tuesday, and with it comes the journey to school, an important step towards independence. To help them travel as safely as possible, the city's Mobility Department runs several schemes, including school crossing patrols and the 'Bus with Feet' walking group.

The department advises parents to practise the route with their children during the first few weeks. Many children can then gradually manage it on their own or with friends, learning to take responsibility, move safely in traffic and gain self-confidence.

School crossing patrol volunteers help children cross the road safely in the mornings and at midday near many of Munich's primary schools. More volunteers are still needed across the city for the new school year. They receive an expense allowance and weatherproof equipment, are insured and are trained by the traffic police. Anyone interested can email [email protected], and further information is available at muenchenunterwegs.de/angebote/schulweghelfer_innen.

Under the 'Bus with Feet' scheme, families from the same primary school with similar routes join together and take turns accompanying the children, so parents can share the school run. Later, the children can walk the route on their own as a group. Taking part is free, and information and registration are available at muenchenunterwegs.de/bus-mit-fuessen.

An overview of the schemes, tips on planning the route to school and the video series 'Already Big' can be found at muenchenunterwegs.de/kinder-schule-familie/schulweg.

The Mobility Department also offers schemes for schools, including the primary school competition 'Fit for school, fit for the future!', held each year at the start of term. It aims to encourage children, through play, to travel to school actively on foot, by scooter or by bike. Details are available at https://muenchenunterwegs.de/angebote/fit-in-die-schule.