Active Autumn has kicked off again in 2019 for the month of May. This is a campaign run by the Road Safety team at Selwyn District Council to promote active ways to get to and from school.

This year we will be having a W.o.W challenge, where learners will get a card stamped each time they walk or wheel to or from school. One lucky learner will win a scooter for 10 days of travelling to and from school!

A colouring competition is also being held, with learners challenged to develop their own road safety message.

School Road Safety Coordinator Stephanie Hautler says there are physical and mental benefits for children from active transport including better road safety awareness, independence, friendships and physical fitness. “Skipping the car ride also means less noise, less congestion, less visual pollution and cleaner air. Burning less fuel saves money too,” Ms Hautler says.

Active travel can be a challenge to fit into an already busy day. Below are some ideas that you may be able to utilise to get your child active:

• Park and stride – drop your child a short distance from school instead of at the gate. Scout out a location where they can safely walk without crossing any major roads or entranceways. Make this your meeting point after school too.

• Pick a route and get to know it – find a walking route that minimises the number of roads to be crossed and avoids busy intersections and get to know it together. Point out hazards such as blind corners and discuss where to cross.

• Find some buddies – you may be able to take turns with other parents escorting a small group to school. Better yet, organise a walking school bus or scooter train. Talk to your school about how to set up a walking school bus.

Check out selwyn.govt.nz for more information about Active Autumn.

Anna Graham | Teacher