National Walk Safely to School Day!

Friday 19 May is the 18th annual National Walk Safely to School Day. To mark the day, all primary school children are being encouraged to walk to school.

The day encourages primary students across Victoria to walk to and from school as often as possible and encouraging healthy habits. The benefits of walking for children can help improve fitness, friendship, their confidence and even help the environment as we reduce transport pollution.

Some helpful tips for you and your children, if you are planning to get involved.

• Make a plan of the route you will take to walk to school;
• As a family, review the pedestrian and road safety rules;
• Ensure you eat a healthy breakfast before you start your walk;
• If you must drive, perhaps you could park the car some distance from the school and walk the rest of the way. Or, if you cannot walk all the way, walk to the bus stop instead; and
• An important reminder to all Parents and Carers, to supervise young children (especially those under 10 years of age) in road environments, car parks and around schools. Remember to hold hands and follow the rules when crossing roads.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously near schools. Drivers need to ensure they are watching out for pedestrians walking across the roads and people riding bicycles. Within school zones, the speed limit is 40km/h between 8:00am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:00pm.

For more information about community road safety and active travel campaigns such as this, please contact Wellington Shire Council Community Wellbeing Business Unit on 1300 366 244.