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Walking the walk

Thursday 1 May, 2008 12:01am

THE traffic around our schools will be pretty light on tomorrow as scores of Lake Macquarie childen (many accompanied by their parents) will take up the challenge to walk to school.

Australia's annual Walk Safely to School is arguably the largest community event aimed at primary schoolchildren.

It aims to increase activity in the children, promote the use of public transport and educate them about safe pedestrian behaviour.

It also sets out to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, particularly around schools and decrease children's dependency on cars.

Many schools in the area will hold a Healthy Breakfast to welcome the foot-slogging children as they enter the school gates.

The event is supported by the Federal Government, State and local governments, the Australian Council of State School Organisations, the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA), the Heart Foundation, the Cancer Council, Diabetes Australia, beyondblue and the Australian Conservation Foundation and of course the Lake Macquarie News.