By Jamie Salter
Beaconsfield Primary School staff, students, parents and carers are promoting the push for road safety and healthy habits by taking part in National Walk Safely to School Day.
Held on Friday 20 May, the annual event encourages primary school aged children to walk to school to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual event has joined forces with National Road Safety Week (held from Sunday 15 May to Sunday 22 May) to further draw the spotlight on road safety.
Principal Heidi Inglis said it was a way to connect with everyone again after two years of Covid-19 disruptions.
“It’s a lovely opportunity for our community to get together and promote walking and healthy lifestyles,“ Mrs Inglis said.
“We’re seeing some people we might not have seen in a while and it’s lovely to work with our local police forces.“
The school was joined by Victoria Police in response to a spike in pedestrian deaths.
Statewide, 15 pedestrians have died on Victoria’s roads this year compared with six at the same time last year.
Police say they are increasing their focus on pedestrian safety heading into the winter months, as it gets darker earlier and visibility is reduced.
Leading senior constable Brett Owen said it was great to support Beaconsfield Primary School with National Walk Safely to School Day.
“It’s really important to encourage young people to walk to school and use alternatives for getting to school other than a car,“ Sgt Owen said.
“We know congestion around all schools is an issue, so when people can walk to school or drive halfway and walk the rest of the way, it will ease congestion and also promote fitness and well being for young people.“
Participants gathered at Beaconsfield’s Oneil Road before walking along Princes Highway to Beaconsfield Primary School.
