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.