Letter first published in the Bendigo Advertiser on 14 October 2011

On Wednesday (19 Oct), more than 70,000 primary school children will walk to school for the VicHealth-funded, Victoria Walks to School day. That’s about twice the number who walked the day before.

The number of kids who regularly walk to school has halved since the 1970s. This is a worry, because it’s a lost opportunity for kids to get physical activity, build confidence and independence, learn road safety and to have fun.

Research clearly shows children want to walk to school, so why don’t they? Lack of time, the distance to school, concerns about traffic and the worry that something bad might happen on the way are all barriers that must be overcome to put kids on the path to good health.

Helping parents to feel good about letting their children walk to school should be a top priority for governments and communities.

We can start by slowing down when driving, parking our cars, walking more and just saying G’day to each other when we do.

When I walk with my kids, aged four and six, and they get ahead of me, I love it when other adults check they are OK. That is what should happen. Parents should feel confident that the community is looking out for kids.

If we all take responsibility, parents will feel more confident to let their children walk to school and get them on the path to good health.
Let’s work together to make Victoria Walks to School a daily occurrence!

Dr Ben Rossiter
Executive Officer, Victoria Walks (funded by VicHealth)
Carlton, Victoria