STRIDING OUT FOR SAFETY
PRIMARY schoolchildren are taking baby steps towards a healthier future.
Families are being urged to ditch the car and walk their children to school on May 20 to mark National Walk Safely to School Day.
The day aims to raise awareness about the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, especially to and from school, can provide for the long-term wellbeing of children.
Pedestrian Council of Australia chair Harold Scruby said he encouraged parents to park the car a kilometre away from their school and enjoy the walk to school with their children.
“There has been overwhelming evidence that children who exercise before school or even during school perform much better,” Scruby said. “Healthy kids are smarter kids.”
This year’s event is partnering with National Road Safety Week, being held from May 15 to 22, to highlight pedestrian road safety.
Mr Scruby said children always needed to hold the hand of an adult until they are 10.