Mayor encourages important steps towards a healthier future
With National Walk Safely to School Day coming up this Friday 10 May, Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer is encouraging children, and their parents and carers, to enjoy the many benefits of ditching the car and getting their steps up.
The annual campaign, held during National Road Safety Week and championed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for children's long-term wellbeing.
Now in its 25th year, Walk Safely to School Day also encourages positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced car-dependency.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said that being active every day, including walking to school, could help make a significant difference to children's health and mental wellbeing.
"I have always been an advocate of leading a healthy lifestyle. This initiative is a wonderful way of setting up regular walking habits for children," Mayor Homer said.
"Promoting walking to school also benefits the environment by reducing car dependency and air pollution, as well as easing traffic congestion around schools," he said.
Pedestrian Council of Australia Chairman and CEO, Harold Scruby, said that children under 10 years of age should always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road.
"Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at end of their day," Mr Scruby said.
