Now in its 27th year, the initiative led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia highlights the health, safety, transport and environmental benefits of walking or using active travel to get to and from school – not just on Walk Safely to School Day, but every day.

The day encourages positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced car-dependency, and encourages parents and carers to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools.

Research also shows children who are active before school are more focused, more productive and perform better in the classroom.

Pedestrian Council CEO Harold Scruby said walking builds lifelong habits while improving safety and wellbeing.

“Walking every day builds confidence, improves concentration and establishes healthy habits for life while making our roads safer and our air cleaner for everyone,” he said.

The day also encourages reduced car use, less congestion around schools and greater use of public and active transport.

“Until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road,” Mr Scruby said.

“The extremely concerning childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect 1 in 4 children across Australia,” he said.

Being active every day, including walking to school, can help make a difference for many Australians. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer, everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active, healthy lives.

“Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Walking is the simplest way to achieve this – before school, during the day and afterwards,” he said.
www.walk.com.au/WSTS

This May marks the 25th anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day. Championed by the Pedestrian Council Australia, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term well-being of our children, not just on 10 May, but every day.

Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking (or similar) also has a favourable impact on children’s cognitive and academic performance. Walk Safely to School Day also encourages positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced car-dependency and encourages parents and carers to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools.

Harold Scruby, Chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia said that “until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road”.

The national initiative also promotes healthy eating and encourages schools and P&Cs to Host a Healthy Breakfast on the day. “The extremely disturbing childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect 1 in 4* children at critical levels across Australia. The best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day,” said Mr Scruby.

Being active every day, including walking to school, can help make a difference for many Australians. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer – everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active healthy lives.
*ABS: National Health Survey: First Results, 2017-18

National Walk Safely to School Day
Friday 10 May 2024
In all primary schools across Australia
www.walk.com.au/wstsd