The 25^th National Walk Safely to School Day promoted the health and environmental benefits of walking regularly to school and the importance of child safety around roads.

The initiative has raised concerns about dangerous levels of traffic congestion around schools.

The Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics reported 158 pedestrian road deaths in 2023, with 15 of those being children aged 16 or under.

More than 100 children participated in the event at Brompton Primary School.

Parents and carers who must drive were encouraged to park at least ten minutes from school and walk the remaining distance.

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Brompton Primary School Acting Deputy Principal Meg McLeod said that students met at the Torrens Road underpass and “walked very safely in two lines towards school”.

“It became more of a community event, which was great to bring everyone together,” she said.

“It gives students the idea to not just meet at school, but maybe meet somewhere else and walk together to school.”

The initiative also raises awareness about the environmental impacts of driving. It aims to reduce car dependency in young people and encourage the use of public transport.

“Fewer cars on the roads means fewer emissions and the kids get that,” McLeod said.

Brompton Primary School promoted the initiative in the classroom, with students investigating the safest routes to take to school, how to avoid and cross main roads and the meaning of different street signs.

McLeod said older kids learnt about the importance of “keeping the local area safe with fewer cars” so more children could walk to school safely.

Chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia Harold Scruby said that children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

“We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day,” he said