The school run is one of those topics which divides opinions. Many motorists feel the roads are clogged up with too many parents using the family car to drop their children off at the school gates.

In this day and age, though, it is understandable why parents might not want their offspring walking to school, particularly on dark mornings. There are fears about the dangers of busy roads and also about the personal safety of youngsters who might have to walk a mile or two on their own.

But we are also becoming acutely aware of health issues and the fact that the school run could be a contributing factor to the national problem of increasing obesity among children who are simply not getting enough exercise.

Once again, Bradford is leading the way by cutting through these arguments with simple yet effective methods.

The district has come out in the top five in a national league table showing what is being done across the country to promote healthy and safe alternatives to the school run.

Among the initiatives are new cycle paths, footpaths, bike sheds and organised escorts by teams of parents.

The schemes are vital to reducing road congestion - and therefore the risk of accidents - around the school gates and also to encouraging children to live a more healthy lifestyle.

As a result, the Government has given more than £300,000 to be used by 50 Bradford schools to improve things even further. Now that shows what can come of getting on your bike.