Why We’re Walking to School This Friday—And How to Do It Safely

As parents, we all know the morning rush can sometimes feel a bit like a marathon—packing lunches, hunting for lost shoes, and navigating the busy school drop-off zone. But this week, we have a perfect reason to press pause on the chaos, step outside, and start the day in a much calmer way.

Now in its 27th year, this fantastic event invites primary students and their families across Australia to walk, scoot, or ride their way to school. It’s not just about getting from A to B—Walk Safely to School Day is designed to build vital road safety skills, boost our children’s physical and mental health, and ease traffic congestion around the school.

Why Give Walking a Go?

Leaving the car at home—even just for one day—does much more than save on petrol:

• More Alert Learners: Physical activity in the morning wakes up young brains. Students who walk to school tend to arrive feeling more focused and ready to learn.
• Healthier Habits: The Australian health guidelines recommend a minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children—walking to school can make a big dent in that, before the first bell!
• Stronger Connections: Walking together gives us time to chat, greet neighbours, and build a sense of community with other families.
• A Greener School: Fewer cars means less congestion, less pollution, and safer school zones for everyone.

Top Tips for Road Safety

National Walk Safely to School Day is a great opportunity to reinforce road safety in real life. Here’s how you can help model safe pedestrian habits for your child:

• The Under-10 Rule: Children under 10 usually don’t have fully developed peripheral vision and should hold an adult’s hand when crossing any road.
• Stop, Look, Listen, Think: Remind your child to stop at the kerb, look both ways, listen for traffic, and think before crossing.
• Use Designated Crossings: Always use school crossings, and remind the children to wait for the traffic to stop before stepping out.
• Limit Distractions: Phones and headphones can wait until you’re safe. Encourage your children to stay alert and keep their eyes and ears on their surroundings.

Can’t Walk the Whole Way? No Problem!

If you live a little too far to walk the whole distance, you can still be part of the fun! Try these alternatives:

• Park and Walk: Park a few blocks (or about a kilometre) from school and walk the rest of the way.
• Hop Off Early: Catch public transport? Get off a stop or two early and walk from there.
• Create a Walking Bus: Team up with other families and take turns leading a walking group to school. It’s a great way to make friends (for kids and adults!).

See You on the Footpath!

National Walk Safely to School Day coincides with National Road Safety Week, so you may notice extra police and patrols keeping an eye on school zones. It’s a fantastic, supportive environment for children to build their skills and confidence as pedestrians.

So, lace up those sneakers, pack a raincoat just in case, and let’s turn Friday morning into a healthy, active adventure. We’d love to hear if you’re getting involved—share your favourite walking routes or Park and Walk tips in the comments.

See you on the footpath!