More than 5,000 youngsters from 23 Dunedin primary schools are gearing up to wheel, walk or scoot their way to school this month to celebrate Active August.
This Dunedin City Council initiative encourages children to stay active by walking or wheeling to school, even during the colder winter months.
“Active travel improves safety at the school gate by reducing congestion. It also lowers carbon emissions and contributes to children’s overall wellbeing,” says Charlotte Flaherty, DCC School Travel Coordinator.
The month’s biggest event is Wacky Wednesday on 13 August. This will see Scout – the safe and active travel mascot – at Tainui School, where more than 250 students are set to wear an assortment of crazy and colourful hats on their journey to school.
Part of a wider Move It! programme for schools, Active August is supported by Police and Enviroschools.