Cottesloe kids sock it to the car commute (11 May 2024)

Schools across the western suburbs invited students to break out their craziest pair of socks this Friday and get out onto the streets, walking safely to school. Students, staff and parents at Cottesloe Primary School leapt at the chance, busting out their kookiest socks and hitting the footpaths in celebration of national Walk Safely to School Day. "Walking to school not only promotes physical health but also reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment," principal Graham Dart said. "We encourage all our students to embrace the opportunity to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines while fostering a sense of environmental responsibility." Walk Safely to School Day is also a chance for schools and communities to advocate for safer routes to schools. "Having safe routes to school boosts parent's confidence in having their children walk or ride to school," Mr Dart said. He observed, though, that poor pedestrian infrastructure could deter kids and families from leaving the car in the garage for the school run. He said: "The pedestrian bridge over Stirling Highway is actually a hindrance due to it being too steep for parents to push prams or students to use their bikes to cross over a very busy road." Caption Text: Students at Cottesloe Primary School wore their craziest socks for Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, with Curtin MP Kate Chaney inspecting.