Walking
If it's an option for you, it makes good sense to walk instead of using your car for short journeys. The least fuel efficient car trip is a short one.
Walking is also an excellent form of exercise.
Start walking
You may want to walk all the way to where you are going, or combine it with public transport.
Brisk walking is an excellent way of getting your 30 minutes per day of exercise. If you walk to and from work, you might not need to make extra time for exercise.
Walking helps to prevent cardiovascular disease. There is a strong link between walking and reduced rates of obesity, adult-onset diabetes and osteoporosis. Walking can also improve your wellbeing.
Walking with your children
Walking means you get to be active with your children and it's a great way to replace the car trip to school and back. Inactive children tend to have more weight problems.
Children who walk to school or to the local shops can gain important life skills. They can be learning how to find their own way around and becoming comfortable and safe in public places and near roads.
Walking school bus
If your primary school is within walking distance, you could consider starting up a walking school bus. This is where a group of primary school children walk with two adults to and from school. There are always two parents with them. One parent 'drives' at the front of the bus, while the other parent supervises the rear.
Additional parents may be needed depending on your community requirements. The walking bus picks up passengers along the way at designated bus stops.
This is a fun and safe way to take children to school. The children meet and mix with other children in their neighbourhood and parents can make new contacts in their local community.
More information
See the following resources for more about walking:
Why do it?
- Walking is free
- You can meet new people in your local community
- There are physical and mental health benefits
- You won't have any fuel costs or wear and tear on a car
Did you know?
The number of Australian children who are overweight is now approaching one in four.
Page last modified: 20 Aug 2009