Both my DGC live about a mile and a half from their secondary school and have walked to and from, from day 1.
For their first day, as so many of her friends lived off the main road leading to the school, DGD organised a walking train. As furthest away, she started and was joined by about seven friends as she went.
If the weather is tipping with rain or snow, DS will give a lift or collect, if he is available, otherwise they walk it, rain, snow or shine.
It is a straight up a main arterial road into their city, so there are always people about and it is well lit.
DD walked to school for the last 2 years of primary school and throughout secondary school, but the schools were quite close. I could see her primary school from the front gate.