Childhood obesity falls as more students embrace active travel in Guernsey

A significant increase in children walking and cycling to school has been credited for a notable reduction in childhood obesity rates in Guernsey.

Between 2016 and 2022, the percentage of students using active travel methods, such as walking and cycling, rose from 29 per cent to 40 per cent, coinciding with a drop in obesity rates among Year 5 children from 30 per cent to nearly 25 per cent. This rate is more than 10 per cent lower than that of children in the same age group in England.

Lindsay de Sausmarez, president of Environment and Infrastructure, believes there’s a strong connection between the rise in active travel and the decline in obesity rates. She emphasised that physical activity has often been described as a "miracle cure," and the positive trends observed in Guernsey suggest that these efforts are making a real impact, bucking global trends.

Schools like St. Martin’s Primary School and organisations such as the Health Improvement Commission have been instrumental in this success. "Children who develop healthier habits early on are more likely to continue them into adulthood, benefiting not only themselves but the community as a whole by reducing long-term pressure on the health system," said Deputy de Sausmarez.

St. Martin’s Primary School has achieved remarkable results, with only 5 per cent of students arriving or leaving by car, while more than 90 per cent use active travel methods—an achievement believed to be the best among regular schools in the British Isles. Alex Costen, the active travel officer at the Health Improvement Commission, praised the school’s efforts, especially the role students played in promoting the initiative. "It’s easy to forget how dangerous it used to be when children had to weave between cars in the playground," she said. Improvements like the rejuvenated, play-friendly playground have also contributed to the school's success.

The closure of the road outside St. Martin’s has been a key factor in encouraging active travel, leading to a trial of a similar initiative at La Houguette Primary School, where a section of road is closed during drop-off and pick-up times.

The shift toward active travel has also gained traction among parents and commuters. Data from the Better Journeys Project shows a 48.3 per cent increase in active travel choices for journeys into St Peter Port from April 2022 to June 2024.

"Travelling under our own steam is a great way to stay active, and it’s encouraging to see so many islanders choosing to walk or cycle more frequently," said Deputy de Sausmarez.