Parents urged to walk their kids to school

May 2, 2008

Parents should leave their cars at home and start walking their children to school, the AMA (WA) said today.

"Every day thousands of WA parents are providing a taxi service for their kids when a good brisk walk to school would be better for everyone," said association President Prof Geoff Dobb.

"Providing the school is not too far away, parents should leave the car in the garage on at least two or three days a week and use the footpath with their children."

Prof Dobb said this Friday – Walk Safely to School Day – would be a good time for families to start changing their daily routine.

"Too many West Australians are far heavier than their ideal weight and lack of physical activity can lead to serious health problems," he said.

"But by walking their children to school it's a win-win situation for everyone in the family.

"It provides regular exercise which, combined with good nutrition, helps children and their parents achieve a healthy weight.

"In an age when obesity is one of Australia's major health issues, we can make a significant impact by resting the car and making our legs do the travelling.

"It also has a positive effect on the environment and gives mums and dads the chance to teach their children safe pedestrian behaviour."

Walk Safely to School Day is organised by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, sponsored by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing and supported by various groups including the Heart Foundation, Cancer Council and Diabetes Australia

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