Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, is encouraging parents and carers to walk to school with their primary-aged students for Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, 20 May 2016.
Mr O’Dea said the national event, an initiative of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, is a good opportunity for schools and families to promote regular physical activity and reinforce road safety lessons.
“Active kids are healthy kids and walking to school is a great way to make physical activity part of your daily routine.
“Safety is always paramount and it is never too early to encourage good road-crossing skills and traffic awareness in young children.
“Up until eight years of age, children should always hold an adult’s hand on the footpath, in the carpark and when crossing the road.” Mr O’Dea said.
Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli said NSW students learn about pedestrian safety and the benefits of physical activity as part of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education curriculum.
Children are taught to practice the Stop! Look! Listen! Think! strategy every time they cross the road.
“In addition to the health benefits, walking to school helps reduce traffic and is kind to the environment.
“Walking is a wonderful way to travel safely to and from school on Friday, 20 May and every other day of the school year.
“If you can’t walk the whole way, consider taking a shorter car, bus or train ride and walking the rest of the distance.” Mr O’Dea said.
For more information on National Walk Safely to School Day, visit www.walk.com.au.
Schools can access further road safety education resources at https://education.nsw.gov.au/road-safety-education.
