Students across the Mid West take part in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday

Primary school children across the Mid West took steps towards a healthy future by walking safely to school on Friday as part of the National Walk Safely to School Day.

More than 150 students from Mt Tarcoola Primary School took part, walking or riding to school on Friday morning.

Principal Paul Luxton gathered with 25 students at Paringa Park, walking together to school while another half dozen students and parents waiting in their front yards joined the group along the way.

On arrival the students were treated to a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit and muffins.

On the importance of the day Mr Luxton said: “In today’s world people don’t think they’re safe, so kids tend to not to walk to school like they used to. This shows it is easy, there’s plenty of safe footpaths and crossing points all along the way.

“It’s reassuring for parents to know that their child is walking to school with another child, the good thing is the kids link up and say, ‘this is my place. I’m walking past here so I’ll walk with them’.”

The community event, now in its 26th year, aims to promote road safety, reduce impacts on the environment and champion the health benefits of regular walking.

Those benefits are not just physical — walking to and from school can have a positive impact on a student’s ability to focus in class and their academic performance.

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said: “Until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road.

“The best exercise for all Australians is walking regularly. 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.”