Kids put best foot forward for National Walk Safely to School Day

Pupils at Bellemere State School will be putting their best foot forward next Friday on National Walk Safely to School Day.

The school has signed up again for the primary-school initiative, now in its 27th year, which will be held on Friday May 22.

Bellmere will have checkpoints en route to school where students can meet a teacher, find the school mascot and get a sticker for sharing a safety tip for walking or riding to school.

Led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, it highlights the health, safety, transport and environmental benefits of walking.

Research also shows children who are active before school are more focussed, more productive and perform better in the classroom.

“Walking every day builds confidence, improves concentration and establishes healthy habits for life when making our roads safer and air clearer for everyone,” Pedestrian Council CEO Harold Scruby said.

“Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Walking is the simplest and easiest way to achieve this, before school, during school and afterwards.”

“Until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road,” Mr Scruby added.

The day encourages reduced car use, less congestion around schools and greater use of public and active transport.

It also aims to help tackle childhood obesity which affects one-in-four children across Australia.

Schools and P&Cs are encouraged to Host a Healthy Breakfast on the day with schools able to win one of 28 $250 Woolworths vouchers by registering for publicity and sharing stories.