The Netherlands’ annual Avondvierdaagse (Four-Day Evening Walk) has evolved from its military origins into a longstanding community tradition that encourages children to be active outdoors.
Each year, children walk between 5 and 10 kilometres over four consecutive evenings alongside friends, families and teachers. Supported by local volunteers, the event promotes physical activity, social connection and a strong sense of belonging within communities.
Many adults who participated as children now take part with their own families, helping to sustain the tradition across generations and embed walking as a normal part of community life.
Relevance to London
Following consultation on 3rd November 2025, the UK Government published its third Active Travel England Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) on 12th June 2026.
A particularly relevant link to the Avondvierdaagse example is CWIS3’s ambition for 60% of children aged 5-to-16 to usually walk, wheel or cycle to school by 2035, positioning children’s everyday active travel as a clear national policy priority.
For London Sport, the Avondvierdaagse offers an interesting example of how a simple, community-led walking initiative could help encourage children to be more active whilst strengthening local connections. The approach also aligns with the broader ambitions of the More Ball Games campaign by supporting children and families to be active within their local neighbourhoods and public spaces.