Australian students of all ages are encouraged to keep active and healthy ahead of the 24th anniversary of the National Walk Safely to School Day.
Championed by the Pedestrian Council Australia, the initiative aims to raise awareness of health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport can provide for the long term well-being of children on Friday, May 19 and every day.
Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman and chief executive Harold Scruby said children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
“The extremely disturbing childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect one in four children at critical levels across Australia,” he said.
“The best exercise for all Australians is walking regularly.
“We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at end of their day.”
Walk Safely to School Day also encourages positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced dependency on cars and encourages parents and carers to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic
congestion around schools.
Details: www.walk.com.au/wstsd
