The Australian Government is backing efforts to encourage kids to make safe and healthy choices on National Walk Safely to School Day, held on 19 May 2023.
A $30,000 grant has been awarded to the Pedestrian Council of Australia from the Government's Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund, supporting tomorrow's 2023 event.
The fund backs community organisations, road safety groups and local governments to run independent and targeted road safety initiatives that motivate and support action among key stakeholders, consumer groups and the community.
Now in its 24th year, National Walk Safely to School Day works with schools across Australia to encourage primary school-aged children to walk or commute safely to school.
This includes inspiring more parents and carers to walk to school with their children, helping them develop vital crossing skills, and ensuring kids aged under 10 always hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.
It also raises awareness on the heath benefits of regular walking, while promoting the use of public transport to reduce car dependency, pollution and traffic congestion.
The campaign coincides with National Road Safety Week 2023, running this week from May 14-21, which highlights the impact of road trauma and ways everyone can help reduce it.
