Promoting Active Lifestyles and Road Safety
Queensland is urging parents to rethink the school run as Walk Safely to School Day approaches on 22nd May. This national initiative aims to encourage children across Australia to walk to school and adopt healthier, active lifestyles.
Research indicates active school travel has declined significantly since the 1970s, with less than 25 per cent of Australian children meeting daily physical activity guidelines. Walk Safely to School Day aims to reverse this trend by promoting walking as a daily routine.
Now in its 27th year, the event is part of National Road Safety Week. It calls on families to incorporate walking into children's daily schedules, not just on the day itself but every day.
Our Lady of Dolours School in Brisbane's inner North is participating in the event. Principal Tricia Howard highlighted the importance of the day for promoting healthy habits and road safety, saying, "Walking together helps students arrive energised, focused and ready for learning."
Initiatives Across Queensland
Schools across Queensland are organising community walks, healthy breakfasts, and activities to engage families in walking before school. In Mackay, local police will distribute temporary tattoos at Fitzgerald State School, while Cairns will see over 350 students participating in walking buses at Our Lady Help of Christians.
Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby emphasised the benefits of walking, advising parents who drive to park a few blocks from school and walk the rest with their children. "You teach your children about health and road safety," he said. "Plus, you both get exercise, and children perform better in the classroom when active before school."
The 2026 Australian Government guidelines recommend 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children aged 5-17. With only a third using active travel for school, the initiative seeks to boost participation and highlight the importance of physical activity.
Fewer than one in four Australian children meet the recommended guidelines for daily physical activity. The event aims to address this by encouraging active travel and reducing car dependency.
For more information, families can visit walk.com.au to learn how to get involved in Walk Safely to School Day.
