Australian parents are being urged to rethink the school run ahead of National Walk Safely to School Day this Friday, 22 May, as research shows active travel to school has halved since the 1970s and fewer than one in four Australian children meets daily physical activity guidelines.
Now in its 27th year and part of National Road Safety Week, the initiative calls on families to build regular walking into children’s daily routines – not just on the day itself, but every day.
Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said the benefits of ditching the car, even partially, are impossible to ignore.
“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,” Mr Scruby said.
The 2026 Australian Government physical activity guidelines recommend children aged 5-17 accumulate at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
Research shows only one third of Australian children use active travel for even part of their school journey.
“Until children are 10 years old, they should always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road,” Mr Scruby said.
It is not too late to get involved.
Schools can find out everything they need at https://www.walk.com.au/WSTSD/
Image: Crosswalk Pedestrian Over There – Free photo on Pixabay
