TWO local schools took part in the biggest simultaneous survey of children ever recorded last week.
Children from Okehampton and South Tawton primary schools were among 92,000 school pupils invited to take part in the special transport survey.
The Great School Travel Tally was conducted in 372 schools across the county — pupils were asked how they got to school that morning and the answers will be analysed at Devon County Council.
Last year nearly 55,000 pupils took part in 240 schools, but this year's survey was aiming to be the biggest ever in the country.
The idea is to use the results to help schools develop their own travel plans and allow the county council to target resources more effectively.
The county council's school travel plan co-ordinator, Alison McGregor, said: 'This survey will allow us to see just how many children walk to school, how many cycle and how many come by car or public transport.
'That will allow us to target our resources more effectively in terms of providing public transport, pathways and cycle lanes and facilities like cycle storage in schools.'
Mrs McGregor said many parents cited safety and security as reasons why they drive their children to school — but there were ways of overcoming their fears.
'For example, a 'walking' bus allows children to walk to school in a group, supervised by parents, in a safe way,' she said.
'Forty five schools now have travel plans and at least another 30 are developing their own plans.
'The information is useful for them in organising things like walking buses and providing better facilities for those who want to cycle to school.'
The national Walk to School Week takes place from October 6-10 and aims to promote walking as a healthy, environmentally friendly and less stressful way to make the journey to school while at the same time reducing traffic congestion.