Berrima students Riley and Joshua (Yr 1), Caitlin (Yr 2), Tate, Georgia and Ethan (Yr 4) showed how they'll step up to the challenge.

Walk Safely to School Day (May 22) is an annual, national event intended to encourage safe pedestrian behaviours.

The day aims to promote walking as a healthy, easy and reliable mode of transport that's good for the community.

The day also reminds parents and carers to closely supervise children on or near roads, such as holding hands when crossing.

Macquarie University research has found it takes many years for young children to learn how to make safe roadway decisions.

It recommends to hold the hand of a child aged eight or under when near a road; and to actively supervise children aged 8 to 10.

The day is an initiative of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, who educate, advocate and promote pedestrian rights and responsibilities.

"Walking is the first thing an infant wants to do and the last thing an old person wants to give up," the Pedestrian Council says.

"Walking is the exercise that does not need a gym, the prescription without medicine, the weight control without diet."

Pedestrian Council chairman/chief executive Harold Scruby said childhood obesity had reached "critical levels" in Australia.

"One in four children are now overweight or obese," Mr Scruby said. "This is expected to reach one in three by 2020.

"Children require at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity, and regular walking is the best exercise for all of us."

Email your photographs of Walk Safely to School Day to the Southern Highland News: jacie.meyers@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Transport NSW - Centre for Road Safety's tips for pedestrians:

Always use pedestrian crossings when they are available

Never assume approaching vehicles can see you or will stop for you

At intersections, check for turning vehicles before and while crossing

Avoid crossing roads between stationary or parked cars, trucks or buses

Don't distract yourself with mobile phones or music players