The month-long programme is a Dunedin City Council (DCC) initiative to encourage active travel to school.
DCC school travel plan co-ordinator Charlotte Flaherty said Move It March aimed to help build confidence and increase alertness at school and would have the wider benefit of reducing congestion at school gates.
"Because of all the extra activity, we’re asking drivers to take extra care around schools, especially on Wednesday, March 12, which is Walk and Wheel Day," she said.
"The schools have been very supportive, and we are expecting about 6000 children to take part, which is very exciting.
"Activity is great for the children and improves their energy and gives them a chance to chat to their friends before class — especially those children who take part in school walking buses.
"Children have told me they really enjoy walking along together, chatting and counting cats — they love having the chance to socialise and get to know their neighbourhood," she said.
The success of the walking school bus concept would be highlighted during Move It March, the Sacred Heart School walking bus celebrating running continuously for 21 years in North Dunedin.
Scout, the safe and active travel mascot, will join the walking school bus on North Rd on March 13 to help mark the big day.
Move It March also encourages lunchtime activities for children as well, as a means of helping to establish active habits among children.
Scout will also be visiting the 30 participating schools throughout the month, to support the children in their activity programmes — and will be using buses to get there.
Adults are not forgotten in the active transport project, Wednesday also being "Walk 2 Work Day" in Dunedin.
As an incentive, adult walkers can win prizes by taking a snap of themselves while walking to work, send it by email to transport@dcc.govt.nz with a catchy caption and be in to win new running shoes.
"We hope that local workers and businesses get behind Walk 2 Work Day, so we can all enjoy the benefits," Mrs Flaherty said.
"Walking is great for you — proven benefits include health improvements, increased ability to learn and reductions in carbon emissions, air pollution, congestion and parking pressure.
"More people walking to work also increases neighbourhood and city vibrancy."
Move It March will explore aspects of active transport through theme weeks.
The theme of week one will be "improving confidence" — allowing tamariki to be more independent; week two will be "be bright, be seen" — highlighting the need to stay visible on the roads; week three will be "adventure!" — learning about the environment; and week four will be "connecting" — using active transport to enhance belonging.
Mrs Flaherty said local businesses Otago Sports Depot, Moana Pool and Bowl Line were supporting Move It March through offering prize vouchers and spot prizes.
Move It March Safety
Motorists are being urged to keep an eye out for children during Move It March — some tamariki are trying active travel for the first time.
• Drive slowly around schools
• Try to park away from school gates
• Consider walking or riding with your children to school
Get in touch
• If a team of people at your workplace are planning to walk to work next Wednesday, let us know by email at info@thestar.co.nz
