Not only is it good for their growing bodies, it is also really important for their learning and development.

Road safety is a vital skill for everyone – from young children to adolescents getting their P-plates. But road sense is not something you just ‘get’ automatically. More importantly, it is not something you can develop from the back seat of a car.

By walking, scooting, riding or skating to school, kids learn the important foundational skills that will allow them to independently and safely get around.

Other great benefits kids get from active transport include:

• learning where things are in their local neighbourhood

• having the opportunity to walk with their friends

• being more alert and ready to learn when they get to school

• improved safety, as there are more ‘eyes on the street’ during pick up and drop off times

• safer school zones, as there are less cars on the road and less cars reversing and parking.

Tips for active travel to school

• Teach your children road safety and navigation skills by walking with them around the neighbourhood – practice on weekends when roads are quieter and you have more time.

• Drive just part of the way to school and drop your child 500 m away so that your child can walk the remainder.

• Pack bags and make lunches the night before to give your children enough time to walk or ride in the morning.

• Talk to other parents in your neighbourhood about taking turns to walk young children to and from school.

• Organise older kids into buddy groups who can walk together without adult supervision.