Friday, May 19 was National Walk Safely to School Day and primary school-aged children across Benalla embraced the occasion.
Now in its 24th year, the annual event raises awareness of health, road safety, transport and the environmental benefits that regular walking can provide for the long-term wellbeing of children.
Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking also has a favourable impact on children's cognitive and academic performance.
In advance of the day, Benalla Rural City Council Mayor Bernie Hearn encouraged students, their families and carers to walk to school on that Friday.
“Participating in National Walk Safely to School Day is a great way to educate children on road safety and encourage a healthy lifestyle,” Cr Hearn said.
“Walking, riding or scooting to and from school in a safe manner can help children to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day,” Cr Hearn said.
“In Benalla we have 14 school crossings which are controlled by 18 school crossing supervisors.”
Under the Road Safety Road Rules 2017, whenever school crossing flags are displayed, it is illegal to stop or park 20m before a school crossing or 10m after a school crossing.
When flags are displayed motorists must stop for pedestrians and remain stopped until the crossing is clear.
“Our school crossing supervisors do a fantastic job each day, rain, hail or shine,” Cr Hearn said.
“Not only are they ensuring our kids get to school safely they are also teaching them the importance of road safety.”
Reflecting on National Walk Safely to School Day, Cr Hearn spoke of its importance.
“With the day comes a very simple but important road safety message,” she said.
“Until children are 10 years of age, they must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road.”
School zones in Benalla are patrolled by crossing supervisors from 8am-9.30am and from 2.30pm-4pm.
During these times, speed limits are reduced to 40km/h.