Queensland parents are being urged to rethink the school run ahead of Walk Safely to School Day this Friday, 22 May, as research shows active travel to school has halved since the 1970s and fewer than one in four Australian children meet daily physical activity guidelines. Now in its 27th year and part of National Road Safety Week, the initiative calls on families to build regular walking into children’s daily routines – not just on the day itself, but every day. Our Lady of Dolours School in Brisbane’s inner North is taking part, with Principal Tricia Howard saying the school is proud to be involved and use Walk Safely to school Day to bring students, families and the broader community together.
“Walk Safely to School Day is so important to our school community because it encourages healthy habits, road safety awareness, and connection. Walking together helps students arrive energised, focused and ready for learning, and it’s a wonderful way for our families and the community to come together,” Howard commented.
Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby agreed, saying the benefits of ditching the car, even partially, are impossible to ignore.
“If you have to drive, park a few blocks from school and walk the rest of the way together. In doing so, you teach your children about health and road safety and how to cross roads safely. Plus, you both get exercise – and we know children perform far better in the classroom when they are active before school. You won’t cause a dangerous traffic jam at the school gate. Your car won’t emit those dangerous particulates that cause respiratory disorders in children. And you can walk back to your car, getting more exercise for yourself. It ticks every box,” Mr Scruby commented.
The 2026 Australian Government physical activity guidelines recommend children aged 5-17 accumulate at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, but research shows only one third of Australian children use active travel for even part of their school journey.
“Come on Queensland – let’s get our kids walking to school! It’s one of the easiest ways to help children get the daily physical activity they need. And don’t forget, until children are 10 years old, they should always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road,” Mr Scruby commented.
Across the state, schools are putting their own local spin on the event through community walks, healthy breakfasts and creative activities designed to get families moving together before school. In Mackay local police will hand out temporary tattoos to Fitzgerald State School kids, in Cairns Our Lady Help of Christians will have 3 walking buses trying to beat their record of over 350 students walking together last year, Middlemount Community School will hold discussions in the classroom and on parade about Road Safety. while Condamine and Mooloolaba State Schools are hosting post walk breakfasts! It is not too late to get involved. For more information.