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Walk the talk: despite the rain, National Walk Safely to School Day was a success

By Khadija Hadjab

May 12, 2024

Proud: City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, Eva James, Ava Bogdan and Liam Graham. Photo by Kady Hadjab

Primary school children all over Australia took part in the annual National Walk Safely to School Day event. Bourchier Street Primary School in Shepparton answered the call and encouraged all its students to participate.

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Organised by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, this year marked the 25th anniversary of the initiative, highlighting the importance of walking and active transport for children’s health, road safety and the environment.

“It’s a great initiative”, said City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali.

“We want people to walk to school as safely as possible every day, especially on National Walk Safely to School Day.

“Our shared path network connects people to school and is remarkable across parts of Greater Shepparton — you can ride or walk to school safely.”

“We encourage people to get out with their family.”

Beyond its physical benefits, regular walking has been shown to improve children’s cognitive and academic performance.

“I like seeing birds and leaves on my way to school”, said Jaxson Standfield.

“I love walking to school because I love getting some fresh air. I even see gold cars, too”, said Ari Mazurczuk.

Walk Safely to School Day also promotes positive environmental sustainability and encourages the use of public transport to reduce car dependence.

Parents and carers are encouraged to join in to ease traffic congestion around schools.

This year, Bourchier Street Primary School launched a walking school bus every Thursday, where teachers and students gather at a designated spot and walk to school together. The positive impact of this initiative are already clear:

“We’ve got a few children reluctant to come to school. Walking together is a great incentive and encouragement — we get to chat all the way to school. It’s a real social outing”, said Year 3 teacher Jane Shattock.

“The walking school bus allows teachers to build good relationships with all the kids, on top of the obvious physical benefits.”

Harold Scruby, chairman and chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, highlighted that the event also encourages healthy eating habits, with many schools hosting healthy breakfasts on the day.

Mr Scruby expressed concern about childhood obesity, noting that one in four children across the country is affected.

“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 walk before, during, and after school,” he said.

By supporting events like National Walk Safely to School Day, parents, teachers, and carers can all help ensure that children lead active, healthy lives.