Leicester Clean Air Day

What is Clean Air Day? 

Clean Air Day is the UK’s biggest initiative to reduce air pollution. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness about air pollution and take action towards improving the quality of air for a healthier environment. Clean Air Day is a national initiative that Leicester City Council has been a part of since 2018. 

In 2026, Clean Air Day falls on Thursday 18 June.

The day aims to raises awareness of the importance of clean air for our health and the environment. It encourages our city’s communities, schools and businesses to take action to reduce air pollution to create a healthier and sustainable future, for everyone.

 

Schools, communities and businesses – How to get involved in Clean Air Day:

Get in touch with the Active Travel Team, email us at choosehowyoumove@leicester.gov.uk

Look through our resources, check out our case study page for ideas below on how your school, business or community can join.

Case study – Clean Air Day 2025

Leicester really came alive for Clean Air Day 2025! Schools, workplaces, and the community all pitched in to make a difference.

At Castle Mead Academy, kids enjoyed a unique ‘park and paddle’ by bell boat. Dovelands Primary brought the streets to life with sports, cycling, and a fun visit from the electric Hop! bus. The Children’s Bookbus stopped by Kestrel Mead, and Rushey Mead had street sports and a special visit from Strider, the walking mascot from Living Streets.

Over at the University of Leicester, staff, students, and local people joined a friendly walk in Victoria Park, chatting with researchers about how air pollution affects our health and what we can all do about it.

Take a look at some of the highlights below!

 

Parents and Carers – Take part in Clean Air Day with our 5 top tips:

1. Aim to walk or wheel at least once a week. Choose active travel or public transport to reduce pollution this Clean Air Day.
2. Too far to walk? Try a ‘Park and Stride’ and drive part of the way and walk the last 10 minutes.
3. Plan a walking or cycling route to school using quieter roads to avoid harmful air pollutants. Use the Choose How You Move Journey Planner for the best route.
4. Remember, switch off your engine for cleaner air. When your vehicle is stationary and it’s safe to do so, turn off your engine to help keep the air clean. 
5. Save energy by turning off lights, devices, and unplugging at the wall when not in use. This helps reduce electricity consumption, which is often generated from burning fossil fuels.

Schools and other organisations – Get involved in Clean Air Day:

• Get in touch with the Active Travel Team, email us at choosehowyoumove@leicester.gov.uk
• Attend an information session via Microsoft Teams. More details to follow soon. 

 

Free resources and websites to help you plan your Clean Air Day: