GAWLER’S footpaths will get a workout on Friday as local students take part in Walk Safely to School Day.

The annual initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking – especially to and from school – can provide for the long-term well-being of children. The day also encourages primary school-aged children to build walking into their routine, by walking to and from school every day.

Immanuel Lutheran School Gawler will participate in Walk Safely to School Day again on Friday, having last taken part in 2018 and for several years before.

The school has arranged three separate meeting locations for students to start their walk from and will provide a piece of fruit and participation sticker to students once they arrive.

The event will also be an opportunity for the school to continue fundraising for the Australian Lutheran World Service’s “Walk My Way” initiative, with participating students asked to donate $2 towards helping the school reach a fundraising goal of $5000.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chair Harold Scruby said physical inactivity was a major risk factor for many chronic diseases that can affect children at different stages of their life.

“We really need teachers, parents, carers and the community at large to get behind this event and its objectives – the best exercise for all of us is regular walking,” he said.

“Children require at least 60 minutes’ huff and puff physical activity every day.

“We should encourage them to include walking at the beginning, during and end of each day. If you can’t walk all the way, use public transport and get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to school.

“...until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road.”

National Walk Safely to School Day also encourages parents and carers to walk more, with the aim of reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools, and reducing car dependency in general.