This year VicHealth is teaming up with a record 71 local councils to bring the Walk to School program to local communities across the state. Walk to School, now in its 14th year, encourages Victorian kids to walk, ride or scoot to school throughout October.
Councils have an important role to play in helping more Victorian children get active and build healthy habits for life. The partnership with local councils allows the Walk to School Program to be tailored to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional communities across Victoria.
Working with a number of schools can spread the benefits of active travel across a whole neighbourhood or region; for example, by reducing local area congestion. It may also broaden the community’s focus to encourage active travel for other daily transport trips.
The 2018 program saw a best ever 147,000 kids taking part across the state, walking an impressive 1.7 million kilometres. 74 per cent of participating parents said their school encourages kids to walk, ride or scoot to school compared with 53 per cent of non-participating parents.
Identifying popular walking routes to school, running special themed walk, ride or scoot to school days and hosting healthy breakfasts are just some of the ways councils are helping schools bring Walk to School to life. Check if your local council is taking part in Walk to School.
Council, health and community services can help to make Walk to School a success by promoting the program this October. Visit the Walk to School website to find out more.
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