Families across Australia are encouraged to lace up their shoes and get moving for National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, 22 May 2026 — a simple but powerful initiative helping children build healthier, safer daily habits.
Now in its 27th year, this national event led by the Pedestrian Council of Australia highlights the many benefits of walking or using active transport to get to and from school — not just for one day, but as part of everyday life.
Why Walking to School Matters
Starting the day with physical activity has a big impact on children’s wellbeing and learning. Research shows that kids who are active before school are:
- More focused in class
- More productive throughout the day
- Better prepared to learn
Regular walking also helps children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, something that’s increasingly important as 1 in 4 Australian children are affected by obesity.
Building Healthy Habits for Life
Pedestrian Council CEO Harold Scruby emphasises that walking is one of the simplest ways to improve children’s health while also benefiting the wider community.
“Walking every day builds confidence, improves concentration and establishes healthy habits for life while making our roads safer and our air cleaner for everyone,” he said.
Importantly, safety remains a key message: 👉 Children under 10 should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road.
Supporting Safer, Less Congested School Zones
Beyond health, the initiative also encourages families to rethink how they travel to school. Fewer car trips mean:
- Reduced traffic congestion around schools
- Safer streets for pedestrians
- Lower environmental impact
In NSW, the campaign is proudly supported by Transport for NSW, with Woolworths helping to boost school participation.
Get Your School Involved
Schools and P&Cs are encouraged to take part by hosting a Healthy Breakfast, with vouchers available as incentives to support participation and community engagement.
It’s a great opportunity to bring families together while reinforcing positive habits for children.
How Families Can Take Part
Parents, carers, and teachers all play a role in helping children build active routines. Whether it’s walking the whole way, parking a few streets away, or combining walking with public transport — every step counts.
Find Out More
To learn more, access resources, or see which schools are participating, visit:
👉 https://www.walk.com.au/WSTSD/
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