Children across Bayside will be walking, jogging, riding and scooting to their primary school on Wednesday 21 October as part of International Walk to School Day.

International Walk to School Day is one event held throughout Walktober, a month-long initiative promoting the benefits of exercise for all people.

Supported by VicHealth and Bayside City Council, Walktober is an annual event which last October, attracted more than 60,000 children in Victoria to participate.

Bayside City Council Mayor Cr James Long said International Walk to School Day and Walktober encourages children to stay active and healthy and to learn about their local area.

“Walktober is a great initiative that not only gets our children out exercising and staying fit and healthy, but also encourages them to discover their local neighbourhood,” Cr Long said.

“It encourages children to be more social by walking in groups and with friends, while at the same time, helping them to do their bit for the environment by not relying on a car.”

From 19-23 October, schools have the opportunity to win prizes with VicHealth and Bayside City Council. Council will award local schools prizes for their participation, effort and innovation, which includes Rebel Sports vouchers and passes to Waves Swim Centre in Cheltenham.

Schools that enter their travel-to-school data via VicHealth by Friday 23 October go into the draw for prizes from Vic Health and Bayside City Council.