South Australian students will put their best foot forward towards a healthier future by participating in National Walk Safely to School Day today.
The community initiative highlights the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits of walking to and from school – encouraging an active lifestyle for children to help them arrive at the classroom ready to learn.
Now in its 27th year, the day also supports parents and carers to engage with children about the importance of road safety – to stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road, and for children under 10 to hold an adult's hand while crossing.
Schools across the state are taking part, including Kilkenny Primary School which is hosting a community event at a nearby reserve before families hit the footpath.
In regional areas, students at Yorketown travelling on school buses will be dropped at the local playground before walking to school together while students in Naracoorte, Berri and Port Lincoln will enjoy a healthy breakfast once they arrive.
Australian Government 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.
The Malinauskas Government is committed to getting kids off screens and active, rolling out initiatives like free school camps for Year 7 students, expanding Sports Vouchers to 16 to 18-year-olds and mandatory active learning during school time.
The introduction of time-based 40km/h zones at priority sites near schools is a key focus to improve safety and protect some of the state's most vulnerable road users.
Since the rollout began in November 2025, the new time-based speed limit has been installed at 60 schools, with around 160 schools expected to have 40km/h signage in place by the end of 2026.
Walk Safely to School Day is part of National Road Safety Week and supported by the State Government's Think! Road Safety Partnerships Program.
As put by Lucy Hood
Walk Safely to School Day is a great way to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle while learning about road safety and the environment.
Students can hit the footpath with family and friends and arrive at school focused and ready to learn.
We know children who are regularly active have improved concentration and perform better in the classroom, with walking one of the simplest exercises to achieve this.
The day is an important opportunity to teach young children about vital road safety messaging, especially when crossing the road or navigating carparks.
As put by Michael Brown
Walk Safely to School Day is an important reminder to be mindful of children when driving especially if you are driving past schools or other places children are likely to frequent.
Children are among our most vulnerable road users and that's why the Malinauskas Government is rolling out 40km/h zones on main roads near schools in an effort to better protect children during busy pick up and drop off times.
Reducing lives lost and serious injuries on our roads is a key priority for the government and we are urging all road users to take care and be safe on the road.
