Promoting Daily Walking for Children's Health
South Australian families are being encouraged to participate in Walk Safely to School Day on 22nd May, as part of an initiative to promote children's health and road safety.
Research indicates active travel to school has decreased by half since the 1970s, with less than 25 per cent of Australian children meeting daily physical activity guidelines. Walk Safely to School Day, now in its 27th year, aims to reverse this trend.
Kilkenny Primary School in Adelaide is among the participants, with Acting Principal Brenton Willson highlighting the event's community benefits. "Walk to school day is a great way to celebrate community, be active together, strengthen student and parent connection, and for the community to model the important skills needed to safely navigate road and rail crossings," Willson said.
Community Engagement Across SA
Schools across South Australia are organising community walks, healthy breakfasts, and road safety activities. At Kilkenny Primary School, the day will begin with a community walk from McInerney Reserve, featuring coffee, music, and activities like chalk drawing and temporary tattoos.
Harold Scruby, CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, emphasised the multiple benefits of walking to school. "If you have to drive, park a few blocks from school and walk the rest of the way together. In doing so, you teach your children about health and road safety and how to cross roads safely," he said.
Schools such as Coorara Primary School and Salisbury North Primary School will also host large group walks followed by healthy breakfasts. Other schools, like Colonel Light Gardens Primary School, will involve students in breakfast activities with community involvement.
The South Australian Government supports Walk Safely to School Day through the THINK! Road Safety Community Grants Program, which aims to promote lifelong road safety education.
The event encourages families to integrate walking into daily routines, contributing to healthier lifestyles and reduced car dependency. More information is available at walk.com.au.
