Media Release

Media Release: New school speed limits and National Walk Safely to School Day highlight need for safer streets around South Australian schools

  • Media Release
Posted on by Walking SA

With National Walk Safely to School Day taking place on Friday 22 May 2026, Walking SA is urging all South Australian drivers to slow down, stay alert, and take extra care around schools as new lower speed limits continue to roll out across the state. 

Walking SA says the national event is an important reminder that children walking, riding, scooting, and crossing roads near schools deserve safe walkable streets every day of the year — not just on one designated day.

South Australia has introduced new 40 km/h school speed limits on selected major roads near schools during peak school travel times, while the long-standing 25 km/h “when children are present” school zone limits remain in force on many local roads near schools. 

The new 40 km/h limits generally apply on school days between:

  • 8:00 am – 9:30 am
  • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

at schools located on busy arterial roads. 

Executive Director Rod Quintrell said lower traffic speeds are critical for protecting children and encouraging more families to choose active travel.

“Children are among our most vulnerable road users, and even small reductions in traffic speed can significantly reduce the risk and severity of injuries,” Mr Quintrell said.
“National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 22 May is a fantastic reminder that safer school streets benefit everyone — children, families, schools, and the wider community.”

Walking SA says many motorists still do not realise that the 25 km/h school zone limit applies whenever children are present, including outside standard school hours, on weekends, and during school holidays if children are nearby. 

Walking SA is encouraging drivers to:

  • Obey all school zone speed limits
  • Slow down near crossings, buses, and parked cars
  • Avoid distractions, particularly mobile phones
  • Be patient during school drop-off and pick-up times
  • Watch for children riding bikes and scooters
  • Expect increased pedestrian activity during Walk Safely to School Day

Walking SA says creating safer environments around schools supports healthier and more active communities.

Research consistently shows walking is the most popular forms of active travel and recreation in South Australia and Australia.  Regular walking helps improve children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, independence, concentration, and connection to community.

“Walking to school helps children arrive more alert, active, and ready to learn,” Mr Quintrell said.

“Parents are far more likely to let their children walk when they feel roads are safe, calm, and designed with people in mind.”

Walking SA is also calling for continued investment in:

  • Safer pedestrian crossings
  • Better school zone signage
  • Traffic calming measures
  • Wider footpaths and accessible routes
  • Reduced vehicle conflict points near schools
  • Improved walking and cycling connections

National Walk Safely to School Day is coordinated nationally by the Pedestrian Council of Australia and encourages families across the country to incorporate walking into the school journey.

For more information about walking, active travel, and safer streets visit: Walking SA

Media Contact
Rod Quintrell
Executive Director — Walking SA
rod.quintrell@walkingsa.org.au
www.walkingsa.org.au

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Major Concerns Raised Over South Australia’s Draft Residential Street Design Standards

  • Media Release
Posted on by Walking SA

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The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) and Walking SA have joined forces to raise urgent concerns over the State Planning Commission’s recently released “Draft Design Standard 1 – Engineering Requirements for Land Division” and the accompanying “Draft South Australian Growth Areas Technical Manual”, as both documents fail to meet contemporary standards for safe, healthy, and sustainable residential street design.

The current draft standards, if adopted, would guide the design of future major residential developments across South Australia. However, we are deeply alarmed by several omissions and provisions that run counter to contemporary urban planning, health, and road safety practice. These include:

  • No requirement to consider public transport infrastructure in new residential
  • A disregard for leading design guidance, including the South Australian Government’s own Active Travel Design Guide.
  • Provisions for residential streets to be designed for vehicle speeds of 60 – 70 km/h, a setting known to drastically increase the risk of road trauma.

“This draft takes us backwards,” said Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety. “It entrenches car dependency, overlooks decades of best practice, and sets up new communities to face long-term safety, health and environmental consequences.”

The evidence is clear: higher speeds in residential streets sharply increase the likelihood of death and serious injury. At 60 – 70 km/h, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle has a near 100% chance of being killed or seriously injured. Designing residential areas with these speeds in mind directly undermines the South Australian Government’s commitment to Vision Zero and its Road Safety Strategy to 2031.

“We need walkable, connected, safe communities,” added Rod Quintrell, Executive Director of

Walking SA. “These draft standards fail to deliver that vision. They risk locking in unsafe, inactive, and inequitable neighbourhoods for decades.”

The proposed design standards are also at odds with the South Australian Government’s Net Zero Strategy and its active bid to co-host COP31, which both emphasise walkable neighbourhoods and reducing car dependency.

Our organisations urge the South Australian Government to halt the adoption of the current drafts and undertake immediate revisions to:

South Australia has the expertise and ambition to lead in safe and sustainable urban development. We cannot afford to compromise the safety, health, and wellbeing of future generations through outdated and dangerous planning standards.

Contacts:

  • Brett Williams, Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) SA Chapter Committee member, Deputy Chair of the ACRS Local Government Network: bwtraffictransport@gmail.com; Phone: 0407 204 305
  • Rod Quintrell, Executive Director, Walking SA: office@walkingsa.org.au; Phone: 0457 006 620

About the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS)

The Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) is the region’s peak membership association for road safety professionals, advocates, and members of the public who are focused on saving lives and serious injuries on our roads. The College provides an inclusive, collaborative environment promoting communication, networking, professionalism, and advocacy across all spheres of road safety including policy, advocacy, research, innovation, technologies, and management. ACRS membership includes experts from all areas of road safety including policy makers, academics, community organisations, researchers, federal, state, and local government agencies, private companies, and members of the public. More Information: www.acrs.org.au

About Walking SA

Walking SA is the peak non-government body for all forms of walking in South Australia, including recreation, transport, health and education. Our vision is for a world-class, walkable South Australia, where cities and communities are designed to encourage more people to walk more often. This vision is supported by the four pillars outlined in our Walking SA Strategic Plan (2023–2025): walkability, walk experiences, socially responsive and sustainable growth. As an advocacy organisation dedicated to promoting walking as a primary mode of transport and a cornerstone of healthy, sustainable, and accessible communities, Walking SA is committed to ensuring that walking remains central to the state’s future transport planning. More Information: www.walkingsa.org.au

New Booklet Celebrates 14 Kaurna Interpretive Sites Along Karrawirra Pari / River Torrens on the Adelaide100®

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Posted on by Walking SA
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Rod Quintrell, Walking SA Executive Director, with Denise Schumann OAM, Cultural Heritage & Historical Consultant, standing beside Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens) reading the new interpretive booklet celebrating 14 culturally significant Kaurna sites

Adelaide, South Australia — Walking SA, in collaboration with Preventive Health SA, is proud to launch a new interpretive booklet celebrating 14 culturally significant Kaurna sites along Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens) as part of the Adelaide100® trail — a loop walking trail based on the old Adelaide HUNDRED map. Almost 120km showcasing the city’s natural, cultural, and historical treasures.

This richly illustrated and culturally sensitive resource was authored by historian Denise Schumann, Schumann and Aunty Lynette Crocker. It offers walkers an immersive experience into the living culture of the Kaurna people — the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains.

The 14 interpretive sites span from Walkerville, north east of the Adelaide CBD to the coastline, revealing stories of country, language, ecology, and Kaurna history. Each site includes Kaurna names, cultural interpretations, and reflections on the history and continuing connections to land and water.

Denise Schumann OAM, Cultural Heritage & Historical Consultant 2025 states that:

“Preserving historical sites is not merely a matter of personal preference, nor is it a choice between development and economic gain; it is an ethical responsibility.

We must safeguard our cultural heritage resources, ensuring that they remain accessible and meaningful for future generations. This makes us a more compassionate and socially responsible society.

Consider, for example, the deliberate erasure of Aboriginal history in South Australia against a backdrop of European colonisation in the 19th and 20th centuries – it continues today. How many South Australians understand that the North Adelaide Golf Course is a landscape of profound significance for the Kaurna people, evoking fearful memories?

Ironic, isn’t it… that this contested site is where two young Aboriginal men, Warritya and Wanguty, were publicly executed in May 1839 by British colonial authorities. Their lives were extinguished on the golfing greens just below Strangways Terrace.

The rationale for preserving historical sites extends beyond mere nostalgia – a society that loses its heritage loses its heart and soul”.

“This project is about more than walking — it’s about listening, learning, and understanding Kaurna country in a respectful and meaningful way,” said Rod Quintrell, Executive Director of Walking SA. “The Adelaide100® continues to evolve as a journey through both landscape and culture.”

The booklet supports self-guided walks and educational programs, with QR codes at key points linking walkers to further insights online. It also complements ongoing efforts to embed truth-telling and First Nations knowledge into the public realm and urban trail networks.

The booklet will be available for free digital download from the Walking SA website and distributed in hard copy via visitor centres, libraries, and schools.

View the 14 Sites
Download the booklet

Official Launch

The booklet and website is launched as part of NAIDOC week. We thank all involved in the project to date and look forward to releasing further editions ofFirst Nations interpretative sites on the Adelaide100 and throughout south Australia.

MEDIA RELEASE: South Australian Autism Advocate and Hiking Guide Releases Churchill Fellowship Report

  • Media Release
Posted on by Walking SA

Adelaide, South Australia — South Australian Travis Saunders is calling for policymakers to lead the way in implementing changes to enable more Autistic people to access and enjoy bushwalking, following the release of his Churchill Fellowship Report.

Travis Saunders explored trail creation, accessibility strategies, and skill development programs across North America for his Churchill fellowship investigating models of support to enable Autistic people to bushwalk.

Travis is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals and loves exploring the trails around Adelaide with his non-speaking autistic teenage son.

His research includes 16 detailed case studies and innovative recommendations aimed at improving infrastructure, resources, and setting standards to support Autistic hikers. His findings address the needs of Autistic individuals, their caregivers, hiking guides, allied health professionals, and land management agencies, offering practical solutions for inclusive outdoor experiences.

The Fellowship report includes three free toolkits:

  1. Strategies for Individuals and Support Networks: Techniques and practical ideas to help Autistic people explore trail walking.
  2. Framework for Bushwalking Organisations: Guidelines for best practices to accommodate neurodivergent hikers.
  3. Standards for Land Management Agencies: Recommendations for delivering appropriate facilities and Autism specific trail experiences.

“Bushwalking has a transformative effect on mental and physical well-being. I hope these resources empower Autistic individuals and trail creators to embrace and enjoy the beauty of nature,” said Travis Saunders.

Travis hopes his report will encourage more organisations and policymakers to prioritise inclusion in outdoor activities.

How Can Governments Help?

Travis’ Churchill report calls on Governments at all levels to provide specific, targeted interventions (functional supports) to address the immediate needs of Autistic individuals. In the context of bushwalking, functional supports could be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to include:

  •  Guided Hikes: Offering guided hikes with trained professionals who understand the needs of Autistic individuals and can provide appropriate support. Currently there is no pay scale in the NDIS that supports hiking guides to grow their businesses in this area. Support Worker style rates of pay do not cover the detailed experience, knowledge and training along with risk management and insurance required to run an operational business in this area.

Provide foundational supports (broader, systemic changes aimed at creating an inclusive environment that supports the long-term well-being of Autistic individuals). In this context local, state and federal governments could fund organisations to:

  • Develop training programs for hiking guides, allied health professionals, and disability service providers to better understand and support Autistic individuals in the great outdoors.
  • Invest in inclusive Infrastructure – design and maintain trails and outdoor spaces that are accessible and accommodating to the unique needs of Autistic individuals in nature.
  • Incentivise groups to establish ‘community hiking networks’ that include Autistic individuals, their families, and carers to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.

By securing government funding for both functional and foundational supports, we can create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to enhancing the bushwalking experience for Autistic individuals.

This dual approach would ensure that the immediate needs are met while also promoting long-term inclusivity and accessibility.

This project has successfully achieved its aims by providing a comprehensive understanding of the barriers faced by Autistic people in bushwalking and developing strategies to overcome these challenges, promoting inclusivity and enhancing their outdoor experiences.

“I can’t wait to see more Autistic people on the trails feeling supported and empowered,” said Travis Saunders.

To read the case studies, findings, toolkits and recommendations in detail visit The Churchill Trust.

Walking SA welcomes vehicle access changes at Yorke Peninsula’s Wauraltee Beach

  • Supporting Walking
Posted on by Walking SA
Vehicles camped along Wauraltee Beach

Vehicles camped along Wauraltee Beach

Walking SA supports the State Government’s new restrictions for vehicles and overnight camping on Wauraltee Beach from Feb 3, 2025.

The recent announcement from the Department for Environment and Water outlines the reasons why vehicles and overnight camping are being restricted.

National Parks and Wildlife Service National Parks Programs Director Jason Irving said, as part of the announcement, “…there is no intention to ban all vehicles from all beaches. This about finding a balance between visitor enjoyment and the need to protect native flora and fauna”.

The damage from vehicles and access is evident, and protection of these special places must come first to avoid irreparable damage, so that public access and recreation can continue to be enjoyed.

Walking SA supports people walking into and out of the beach as a less impactful way to enjoy the beach and the spectacular surroundings.

We would like to ensure public access for people walking and for recreation is maintained to Wauraltee Beach for all users, noting the new restrictions.

Walking SA actively encourages ‘leave no trace’ principles in our education and training programs to ensure more people can enjoy our natural places more often.  For more information on ‘leave no trace’ and other useful resources, please visit walkingsa.org.au/resources or get in touch for more information.

Quotes attributable to Daniel Bennett, Chair, Walking SA
“With the increased awareness of South Australia’s beautiful places comes an increase in people visiting them. In this case, there is a need for better management, as identified by the State Government. We welcome the opportunity to ensure people can walk in and out of this beautiful place, to preserve the natural environment, and to ensure damages from vehicles can be repaired.”

Quotes attributable to Rod Quintrell, Executive Director, Walking SA
“As more people catch onto the world class nature we have here in SA, these wild spots come under increasing pressure from both over use and unfortunately, occasional poor practices.   It is great to see protective measures including education are being put into place to manage the larger numbers and the impact.   For nature based recreation and tourism to be both sustainable and accessible, visitor volumes and types of use have to be managed.”

Adelaide100® trail of 70km / 4 days now officially open from Norton Summit to Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta

Posted on by Walking SA

The Adelaide100® trail is now officially open from Norton Summit to Majors Road, near Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. These sections traversing 70km / 4 days via Morialta Conservation Park, the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri, the city and the coast are marked and ready for walking.

Be one of the first to stretch your legs along a trail that experiences a variety of landscapes to give you some of the best vantage points around the city.

Visit adelaide100.com.au, download a map and go for a hike. There are 1-2 new detailed maps per each of the 5 trail sections now open, including pdf maps for printing, downloadable Avenza maps for smartphone use, and downloadable gpx download files for navigation devices. All maps are free. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest developments as they occur.

Work on the remaining sections from Majors Road to Norton Summit are still under development. These sections take in Happy Valley Reservoir, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, Belair National Park, and through the Adelaide Hills via Stirling and Basket Range back to Norton Summit.

Connect with us and others on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn using the hashtags #adelaide100 #walkingsa.

Visit adelaide100.com.au
View media release

Adelaide100® Vision and Project Management
Walking SA, logo

Principal Project Partner
Funded by Wellbeing SA and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Government of South Australia
Government of South Australia logo

SA Election: Vote with your feet

  • Media Release
Posted on by Walking SA

Download media release (PDF).

Walking SA has today written to all candidates in the upcoming election with a call to invest in our children and ensure we have Safe Streets to Schools.

All children should feel safe to walk and cycle to school, without risking being injured by vehicles.

It is completely unacceptable to have poor walking conditions, that do not consider children’s needs or incorporate design based on children’s abilities, within a 2km catchment of our primary schools.

Parents have no faith in the urban environment to keep their children safe, so they drive them to school, adding more cars to the roads and increasing school traffic.

The Government must make a commitment to active school travel and prioritise children’s health and wellbeing by enabling children to walk and cycle to school.

“Over the past 40 years, children walking and cycling to school has declined from 75 percent to 25 percent,” Dr Helen Donovan, Executive Director Walking SA said. “As physical activity levels decrease, not only do children experience a myriad of problems associated with loss of physical health, but we have also seen levels of anxiety and depression in young people skyrocket. Are we going to accept this as a community?”

In South Australia on average 52 percent of school children live within two kilometres of their school, but only 20 percent actively travel to or from school.

“Walking and cycling to school isn’t just a matter of individual motivation. We need to steadily improve the built environment to ensure it is safe and enjoyable to walk and ride. Children and families must have a viable, safe choice.” said Dr Donovan.

“We commend the government on their genuine, collaborative efforts to develop a state-wide Walking Strategy. Now we need to see some commitment and investment into walking to see this Strategy come to life.”

Walking SA calls on the government to take immediate action:

  • Commit to working in partnership to enable Safe Streets to Schools;
  • Lower the speed limit to 40km/h or less in all local streets and school catchments;
  • Increase funding to local governments to install a network of planned separated bikeways, safe road crossings, greenways, and other supporting infrastructure to create Safe Streets to Schools
  • Create policy to move school drop-off zones away from the front gate to decrease the high traffic volumes immediately in front of schools and thereby decrease the risk of collision with a child.

Walking SA will be calling on our members, supporters and followers to support our call at the next election and vote with their feet for the party who supports more walking more often.

View Walking SA 2022 State Election submission

Media enquiries

Helen Donovan, Executive Director Walking SA
helen.donovan@walkingsa.org.au Ph: 0457 006 620

 

About Walking SA

Walking SA is the not-for-profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, environmental appreciation and fun experiences.

Our vision is to see more people walking more often.

Our members include walking clubs, informal groups, individuals and organisations whose aims, and objectives align with those of Walking SA.

Our Strategy guides us to achieve more walking for recreation, transport, and health as we:

  • Grow walking participation through programs, walking clubs and walking SA supporters.
  • Support the planning of walkable communities and environments.
  • Provide community information and lead annual walking events.

To find out about Walking SA, including our database describing over 750 trails in South Australia, visit walkingsa.org.au

Children have the right to walk and ride safely to school

  • Media Release
Posted on by Walking SA

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Logos - Bike Adelaide, Walking SA and Heart Foundation

Leading advocacy agencies Walking SA, Bike Adelaide and Heart Foundation, are urging all levels of government to radically rethink school precincts to prioritise children’s physical and mental health and safety by providing safe, enjoyable walking and cycling routes to school. The agencies call for:

  • A consistent decrease in speed to a maximum speed limit of 40km/h in local streets and school precincts, with lower speed limits in all dedicated school zones and streets where pedestrians and cars are forced to share space (including streets with narrow footpaths, carparks, and laneways)
  • An immediate increase in funding to local governments to install a network of planned separated bikeways, safe road crossings, and other supporting infrastructure to create safe travel routes to schools
  • To move school drop-off zones away from the front gate to decrease the high traffic volumes immediately in front of schools and thereby decrease the risk of collision with a child

“Let’s start with a simple, systemic change that will dramatically increase children’s safety – drop the default urban speed limit to a maximum of 40km/h” said Dr Helen Donovan, Executive Director of Walking SA. “The relationship between speed and road traffic accidents is well established. Speed is one of the major factors contributing to accidents on South Australia’s roads. Evidence shows a decrease in the default maximum speed from 50km/h to 40km/h would reduce the risk of death on collision from over 80% to 26% 1. If you could save the life of one child by adding a few seconds on to your daily commute, would you choose to do it?

“Over the past 40 years, children walking and cycling to school has declined from 75 percent to 25 percent,” Dr Donovan said. “As physical activity levels decrease, not only do children experience a myriad of problems associated with loss of physical health, but we have also seen levels of anxiety and depression in young people skyrocket. Are we going to accept this as a community?”

In South Australia on average 52 percent of school children live within two kilometres of their school, but only 20 percent actively travel to or from school 2. Bike Adelaide Chair, Katie Gilfillan, is encouraging local governments and the state government to re-orient transport and infrastructure spending toward a network of safe, enjoyable walking and cycling routes. “Walking and cycling to school isn’t just a matter of individual motivation. We need to steadily improve the built environment to ensure it is safe and enjoyable to walk and ride. Children and families must have a viable, safe choice.”

Heart Foundation CEO SA/NT Imelda Lynch welcomes the recent South Australian government announcement that a state walking strategy will be developed in 2021. The strategy will aim to get more people walking more often including safe routes for children to walk to school which improves levels of physical activity and wellbeing.

Media enquiries

Helen Donovan, Executive Director Walking SA
helen.donovan@walkingsa.org.au Ph: 0457006620

About Walking SA

Walking SA is the not-for-profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, environmental appreciation and fun experiences.

Our vision is to see more people walking more often.

Our members include walking clubs, informal groups, individuals and organisations whose aims, and objectives align with those of Walking SA. We provide leadership by:

  • Promoting opportunities to improve the health and lifestyle of South Australians through
  • Offering expertise, guidance and advocacy for the development and maintenance of safe and supportive walking environments throughout South

To find out about Walking SA, including our database describing over 700 trails in South Australia, visit www.walkingsa.org.au

About Bike Adelaide (Formerly the Bicycle Institute of South Australia)

Bike Adelaide advocates for the development of bike friendly communities that encourage people to use the bicycle as a healthy, efficient, and environmentally friendly transport choice. Our advocacy efforts focus on supporting everyday cycling, particularly the creation of a low-stress cycling network safe for anyone aged 8 – 80 years to enjoy.

Specifically, Bike Adelaide advocates for investment in new and improved cycling infrastructure and supporting policies and practices to improve cycling safety, connectivity, and comfort across the Greater Adelaide area.

Our vision: Sustainable transport is at the heart of Adelaide’s success as a people friendly and environmentally responsible city. Adelaide thrives on the fun and freedom that comes from cycling.

As a non-for-profit organisation powered by volunteers Bike Adelaide represents its members and all people including children who currently, or would like to bike, as a part of their everyday lives. For more on Bike Adelaide and our activities visit bikeadelaide.org.au.

About the Heart Foundation

The Heart Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fighting the single biggest killer of Australians – heart disease. For 60 years, it has led the battle to save lives and improve the heart health of all Australians. Its sights are set on a world where people don’t suffer or die prematurely because of heart disease.

For heart health information and support, call the Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12. To find out about more about the Heart Foundation’s work supporting active living visit heartfoundation.org.au/Heart-health-education/Physical-activity-Built-Environment

  1. Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre’s fact sheet Improving Pedestrian Safety (2010) ↩
  2. GIS Residential data from 26,910 primary school students (2015-2018) and Way2Go school survey data from 11,944 year 3-7 students (2015-2018) ↩

Turn the school run into a walk

  • Media Release
Posted on by Walking SA

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Heart Foundation and Walking SA logos

This Walk to School Safely Day (Friday September 11), the Heart Foundation and Walking SA are urging children and parents to change their habits and get more active as they travel to and from school.

Heart Foundation CEO SA Imelda Lynch is encouraging families to put their health first by seeking out more active ways to do the school run and leave the car at home.

The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children get at least an hour of physical activity a day, but only one in five Australian children are currently meeting the guidelines.

“This is a concern because physical activity is good for children’s physical health, it reduces the likelihood of childhood obesity, and it is also important when it comes to their mental health, academic performance and concentration in school,” Ms Lynch said.

“Walking, cycling or even scooting to and from school are some of the easiest ways to increase children’s activity levels,” Ms Lynch said.

National data show that over the past 40 years, children walking and cycling to school has declined from 75 percent to 25 percent.

In South Australia on average 52 percent of school children live within two km of their school, but only 20 percent actively travel to or from school. 1

“This figure is worrying but could be improved if the school run was used as a way to incorporate include more activity into the daily routine,” Ms Lynch said.

Parents and caregivers will also benefit if they join their kids walking to school.

“Physical activity can help reduce the risk of heart disease in adults, which is the single leading cause of death in Australia, claiming 48 lives every day,” Ms Lynch said.

Walking SA Executive Director, Helen Donovan, said children who walk to school are happier, healthier, less stressed, and more attentive during the school day. Walking to school also offers the opportunity for strengthening social bonds with family and peers through the incidental chats that naturally occur. These healthy behaviours, when established in childhood, are more likely to be sustained into adulthood.

“Parents want the best for their kids. One of the ways to develop healthy, happy, confident kids is to build a walk into every day,” Dr Donovan said.

“Governments can help by shaping the urban environment for safe, enjoyable walking on connected networks. This requires more investment in pedestrian and cycle paths, safe crossings, and lower speeds on local roads,” she said.

The Heart Foundation is calling for the government to develop and fund a State-wide Walking Strategy. The strategy will aim to get more people walking more frequently including a focus on ensuring safe routes for children to walk to school.

Media enquiries

Emily Goddard, Media Advisor
M: 0432 417 518 E: emily.goddard@heartfoundation.org.au

About the Heart Foundation

The Heart Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fighting the single biggest killer of Australians – heart disease. For 60 years, it has led the battle to save lives and improve the heart health of all Australians. Its sights are set on a world where people don’t suffer or die prematurely because of heart disease.

Find out your risk of heart attack or stroke by using our Heart Age Calculator. For heart health information and support, call the Heart Foundation Helpline on 13 11 12. To find out about the Heart Foundation’s research program or to make a donation, visit www.heartfoundation.org.au

About Walking SA

Walking SA is the not-for-profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, environmental appreciation and fun experiences.

  • Our vision is to see more people walking more

Our members include walking clubs, informal groups, individuals and organisations whose aims and objectives align with those of Walking SA.

We provide leadership by:

  • Promoting opportunities to improve the health and lifestyle of South Australians through walking.
  • Offering expertise, guidance and advocacy for the development and maintenance of safe and supportive walking environments throughout South

To find out about Walking SA, including our database describing over 700 trails in South Australia, visit www.walkingsa.org.au

 

 

  1. GIS Residential data from 26,910 primary school students (2015-2018) and Way2Go school survey data from 11,944 year 3-7 students (2015-2018) ↩

We’re calling on all local governments to prioritise projects that enable walking and cycling

  • Calling on all local councils
Posted on by Walking SA

COVID-19 has created a huge increase in walking activity. Walking SA, together with BISA, Bike SA and the Heart Foundation, calls on all local governments to prioritise projects that enable walking and cycling.

During COVID-19, more people have chosen to be active every day in local neighbourhoods. Participation in walking and cycling has significantly increased. The provision of footpaths and safe crossings, open space and access to roads in our neighbourhoods is more important than ever. Walking SA encourages prioritisation of projects that enable active, safe and connected communities.

View statement (PDF)

The call

Letter from Walking SA, Heart Foundation, Bicycle Institute of South Australia and Bike SA.

11 May 2020

Dear Mayor, Councillors and CEO,

In these difficult and unprecedented times, we would like to congratulate you on your continued support of your community.

During COVID-19, more people are choosing to be active every day in local neighbourhoods. Participation in walking and cycling has significantly increased. The provision of footpaths and safe crossings, open space, and access to roads in our neighbourhoods are more important than ever.

We recognise that council budgets have been impacted both by a reduction in some forms of revenue, and by additional expenditure required due to the current situation. As you are re-assessing your budgets for the upcoming cycle, we encourage you to prioritise projects that enable active, safe, and connected communities.

We call on you for your commitment to:

  1. Shovel-ready walking and cycling projects. Increased budgets and commitment to delivering basic, safe and innovative walking infrastructure with construction and maintenance of: footpaths, safe pedestrian crossings and refuges, wider kerb ramps, signalised crossings with a shorter cycle and phasing to suit seniors, vision impaired, people with disabilities and children to safely cross the road
  2. Temporary street closures or shared zones to allow for people to safely walk and ride on local streets during COVID-19
  3. Slower designed streets and speed limit reduction for all people to walk and cycle safely
  4. Wider, connected and safe footpaths (which also allows for essential physical distancing)
  5. Better shading of all paths through tree planting and shading structures
  6. Local mixed used and multi-generational parks, playgrounds, nature play and green space that create community hubs and destinations within walking/cycling distance of homes
  7. Separated walking pathways from bicycles, e-bikes and e- scooters in high traffic or commuter routes
  8. Removal of slip lanes that cause unnecessary risk to walkers and riders, or an addition of zebra crossings until slip lanes have been removed
  9. Commitment to implement your local walking and cycling strategies, preferably integrated into an overall active transport and recreation strategy. Develop strategies if
  10. Liveable and active streets designed for all: children and our more vulnerable walking or wheeling residents
  11. Investment in walking programs (10,000 Steps, Heart Foundation Walking, parkrun and local bushwalking groups) through local funding, resources and supportive

We know how important a safe and healthy community is to you. Walking and cycling facilities are one of the lowest cost services that you can provide to your residents to improve their health and wellbeing, generate better community cohesion and create benefits for local business.

Thank you for your interest in supportive active communities. We would be happy to talk to you about how you can support our organisations and the localised active travel and recreation of neighbourhoods for your residents, businesses, and visitors.

For any further queries, contact Helen Donovan, Executive Director helen.donovan@walkingsa.org.au or 0457 006 620 on behalf of Walking SA, the Bicycle Institute of South Australia, Bike SA and the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

On behalf of Walking SA, Heart Foundation, Bicycle Institute of South Australia and Bike SA.

Media Release: This Walktober encourage kids to walk, skip, hop, scoot or ride to school

Posted on by Walking SA

MEDIA RELEASE

If more kids walked to school each day, then they would be more likely to reach recommended physical activity guidelines, be less likely to be overweight and perform better at school.

About 80 per cent of five to 17-year-olds do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

The number of kids using active transport choices to get to school has dramatically declined since the 1970s.  These days, almost a quarter of five to-12-year-olds have never walked, cycled, or scooted to school.1 But three-quarters of kids surveyed would like to.2

This October, Walking SA, Department of Transport, Planning and Infrastructure’s Way2Go program and the Heart Foundation are promoting the message that we should be encouraging our kids to walk, ride or scoot safely to school. Not only is it more fun for the kids, it means less cars on our roads, and at drop-off points around schools.

“Parents can be great role models for their children by getting out and walking together more often,” said Walking SA Chair, Jeremy Carter.

Way2Go is a statewide South Australian program promoting safe, active and green travel for primary school children and their families.

“We encourage parents to visit our families website to plan safe and active travel to and from school,” Margaret Howard, Manager Living Neighbourhoods and Travel Behaviour said.

“Have a few practice runs over the school holidays and choose a safe route to school.”

Imelda Lynch, Heart Foundation CEO, has been leading the push for more walkable environments in South Australia.

“The Heart Foundation would like to see the development of a statewide walking strategy, that prioritises children’s active travel to school,” Ms Lynch said.

This “Walktober”, Walking SA is asking all South Australians to celebrate Spring by going for a walk and taking a picture with the tag #WalktoberSA. Walking SA is encouraging kids to walk to school by asking them to take a picture along the way. Just use the tags #WalktoberSA and #Way2Go with a short description about the view and it will be eligible to win vouchers from the Scout Outdoor Centre. Parents/Carers can load the images onto Instagram or Twitter or the Walking SA Facebook page.

To help plan your walk to school during #WalktoberSA, visit Way2Go families website www.dpti.sa.gov.au/Way2Go/families/home

For more information about Walking SA, visit www.walkingsa.org.au

For more information and T&C about the “View from my walk” competition visit walkingsa.org.au/walktober

Media enquiries: Jeremy Carter, Chair of Walking SA – 0412 846 576

 

Walking SA is the peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, environmental appreciation and fun experiences. Our vision is to see more people walking more often. Our members include walking clubs, informal groups, individuals and organisations whose aims, and objectives align with those of Walking SA.

 

New trail: $6m Great Southern Ocean Walk along the Fleurieu Peninsula

Posted on by Walking SA

Map of Great Southern Ocean Walk

The SA Government has announced an investment in creating the Great Southern Ocean Walk – an upgrade of the iconic Heysen Trail along the Fleurieu Peninsula, connecting Deep Creek and Newland Head conservation parks, and Granite Island Recreation Park.

Parts of the Heysen Trail will be upgraded, and day visitor facility and a fully accessible destination constructed at the heart of Deep Creek National Park to ensure our parks are a place people with disabilities can enjoy. Existing campgrounds and amenities will also be upgraded to cater for growing demand.

The Great Southern Ocean Walk will be a 5-day walk with campsites. Over the past two years the Friends of the Heysen Trail have been involved with the working committee to develop the concept, having previously been involved in providing feedback in the concept research.

The $6 million project is part of the government’s $11.8 million New Parks Investment as part of the upcoming 2019-20 State Budget. The $11.8 million for parks will enhance nature tourism, will improve access, amenities and services in our national parks, and ensure they continue to play an important part in the lives of South Australians, and in building our visitor economy.

Watch the announcement video.
Read the government media release.

View our response, joint Media Release with the Heart Foundation.