An initiative developed by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, Walk Safely to School Day aimed to encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school-age children to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour and instill healthy lifestyle habits at a young age.

The focus is on adults becoming role models of safe behaviour and discussing this with their primary school aged children.

The support of adults who care for children under 10 years is central to the success of Walk Safely to School Day as a safety awareness event.

The involvement of a parent or carer in teaching and reinforcing road safety messages will help more children to be safe on the roads and lead to the child maintaining these practices throughout their life.

Local parent Marina Scopel who got involved in the day walked her seven-year old son to Lightning Ridge Central School on Friday morning.

She said initially she had always allowed Jayden to walk to school by himself as they lived only a block or two from the school.

But after an incident last year where a stalker was on the loose and had nearly abducted a child she had decided to drive Jayden to school.

However, leading up to Walk Safely to School Day, Ms Scopel said she had read the benefits of walking to school and decided to become involved as a positive role model for her son.

"I think it's a good thing to walk and it allowed me to raise Jayden's awareness when crossing the road and things like that.

"Especially important is for kids to know how to act and respond before stepping on a pedestrian crossing."

Ms Scopel said this year was the first time she had heard of a day promoting children to walk to school.

"I think the day also allowed parents and children who normally drive to school the option of seeing whether it was worth for them to change their habits.

"It's a lot healthier and encourages children to like walking, and often kids want to become involved in activities that are being promoted," she said.