“And if the road is clear of traffic…”
On the 24th of May primary school children across Australia will participate in Walk Safely To School Day, a national initiative to promote healthier choices in children.
With a simple walk at the beginning and end of each day, children can achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. This annual national event seeks to promote road safety, health, public transport and concern for the environment by encouraging children to walk and commute safely to school.
WSTSD offers a chance for parents and carers of primary school-aged children to promote safe pedestrian behavior. Its message also reminds parents and carers to supervise their young children closely, especially those under 10 years of age. WSTSD will inform parents, carers, teachers and children of the benefits of regular walking.The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia.
To record how many kilometres the children have been walking, WSTSD has introduced an App for Apple and Android smartphones. The free app allows children and parents to track their kilometres travelled to and from school, the time they spent walking and their average speed. You can download the free app at www.walk.com.au
The aims of WSTSD are:
- To teach children healthy lifestyle habits from a young age as they learn that walking is the best form of exercise. It’s easy, free and these habits tend to last a lifetime.
- To help reduce hazardous traffic congestion in and around schools, creating pedestrian-safe areas for children entering or leaving school.
- To help ease global warming and climate change, as they reduce car-dependency.
For more information on how to participate please head to the Walk Safely To School Day website.