Walking to school in inner Sydney

Issues addressed The project aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of walking and to increase the number of primary school children being walked to and from school instead of being driven. Method A series of personal encounters and newsletters were the key strategies used to reach parents and teachers. Classroom-based activities reinforced by incentives were the strategies used to raise students' awareness. Results More than 80% of students lived within one kilometre of the school and therefore were considered within walking distance. However, at baseline, 47% of students were driven to school and a further 15% travelled by bus. A student travel survey conducted by classroom teachers across all grades revealed a significant suppressed demand for walking and cycling. Travel data collected over a four-week period demonstrated an overall 3.4% reduction in car trips. The classes with the largest percentage (61%) of students whose journey to school was by car had the largest travel mode shift (14% reduction). Conclusion This pilot project had some success in modifying parent and student behaviour and focusing the school community's attention on the impact of traffic and sharing responsibility for reducing its adverse effects on their children's health and safety. Walk to School programs warrant further attention.