Walking the Walk (Media release)

Moreland City Council has once again joined with VicHealth for Walk to School month – a fun and creative way to teach kids the benefits of active travel.

Kicking off from 8 October, almost 20 Merri-bek primary schools have already signed up to this year’s program.

Students can also join the program individually or with friends – so it’s easy for kids to get active, even if their school isn’t formally involved.

Fawkner Primary School has been part of Walk to School month for many years and has taken the month of physical activity a step further, as teacher Joe Mills explains: “We run a range of programs around community connectedness and physical activity and we’ve found that the kids who walk to school are more involved in the place they live.”

The school also runs an ongoing bike education program and has a range of bikes on-site for children who don’t have their own.

“In 2014 we had about 25% of our students walking, riding or scooting to school and this year we’re tracking at 45%,” said Mr Mills.

“We know a lot of people don’t get enough physical activity or don’t know about how to keep themselves healthy – the more we build these good habits from a young age, the better.”

Walking, riding or scooting to school not only reduces traffic – a big plus for the environment – but it’s also a good way for kids to make friends, keep healthy and to get the 60 minutes of recommended daily activity they need.

Last year, more than 140,000 Victorian primary school kids got involved and Merri-bek Mayor John Kavanagh says Walk to School helps whole families to develop healthy habits for life.

“It’s been so exciting to see Merri-bek’s participation in Walk to School grow. It’s the perfect program to encourage healthier lifestyles – for both parents or carers and kids,” Cr Kavanagh said.

To get your school involved or to find out more about Walk to School month in Merri-bek visit walktoschool.vic.gov.au, the Walk to School page, or contact Council.

14 September 2018