Capel Primary School is walking safely to school

Primary school students across Australia are encouraged to take an important step towards a healthier future and participate in the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, May 19.

Championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, this community initiative is now in its 24th year, and for the second year is part of National Road Safety Week.

The event isn’t only to promote healthier choices and exercise but also to promote supporting the environment and walking to places when we can, rather than using transport.

Walking doesn’t only just help the environment but it also reduces risks of dangerous traffic and congestion around schools.

“The extremely disturbing childhood obesity epidemic continues to affect one in four children at critical levels across Australia,” said chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia Harold Scruby.

“The best exercise for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.”

In the South West, many schools and children are getting involved, including Capel Primary School.

Many students have been learning about the benefits of walking to school and they are excited to get involved on Friday.

“When you walk to school, you’re not using any gas or anything and it saves parents the journey to school,” Year 6 student Cara Mai Tully said.

“It’s good for your physical health, because you’re moving and you’re walking and it’s a good fresh start to your day.

“I think it’s important so you can keep up good health and physical activity, people don’t do enough exercise so walking to school helps support that,” said Year 6 student Matilda Armstrong.

National Walk Safely to School Day encourages healthy habits and change for a better environment.