Mr McBurney was responding to comments by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan telling parents to "calm down around schools" and drive carefully.

Mr McBurney said the minister and police should have suggested people walk or scoot to school.

"All the research says as soon as we get in the car we get anxious," he said.

"In Australia, 30 per cent of traffic between 8am and 9am is parents dropping kids to school and the number one reason parents give for not letting their kids walk to school is traffic."

He said the benefits of walking to school were numerous, including improved physical, emotional and mental health.

“You arrive in school in a healthier frame of mind and it’s been shown to improve learning outcomes."

Mr McBurney said surveys conducted and Huntly and Epsom primary schools revealed 80 per cent of children would prefer to walk to school.

City of Greater Bendigo councillor Helen Leach also weighed into the issue saying it was a good idea for children to walk to school as long as it was safe.

"I've been pushing for Vic Roads to put in a pedestrian crossing at Reservoir Road and Condon Street in Kennignton," she said.

"The idea (of children walking to school) is really relevant and it's a good idea as long as they can safely cross major roads."

Cr Leach said in the centre of town schools like St Kilians had crossing lights but that some schools in outer suburbs didn't.

"I would urge parents to lobby the appropriate authorities for pedestrian crossings where they think they are needed," she said.

"We need to make it safe for children to walk or ride to school.

"There is nothing on Reservoir Road between McIvor Road and Condon Street and that is worrying."