The sound of bicycle bells will ring out across Port Phillip as primary and secondary school students participate in National Ride2School Day.
Port Phillip students will join more than half a million others around Australia in travelling to school on Friday, 13 March by sustainable transport including bikes.
The popular Bicycle Network initiative encourages students to get active on their way to school to help notch up the recommended 60 minutes of exercise each day.
No bike? No problem! Students are encouraged to scoot, walk or catch public transport instead of relying on cars.
Mayor Bernadene Voss said Ride2School Day is a great opportunity for young people to change up their routines.
“Whether you ride, scoot, walk or jump on a tram, Ride2School Day is the push many of us need to ditch the car and try a new way of getting to school, while fitting in some exercise. The benefits of regular exercise aren’t just physical, we know active students make for more engaged learners,” Cr Voss said.
Ride2School Day also provides a perfect opportunity for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about road safety.
“We encourage parents to re-familiarise themselves with the road rules and talk to children about road safety. One final look-over of the bike and your kids will be happily pedalling off to school.”
The other benefits of swapping a car ride for active transport include reducing local traffic congestion, parking pressures and emissions.
Every local school involved with Ride2School Day can claim a $200 Active Travel Rebate from Port Phillip Council to put towards their event.
Council will also award a new child’s bike and helmet to every local school participating in Ride2School Day which submits at least three “Hands Up” counts tracking how many young people use active transport (before Ride2School Day, on Ride2School Day and after Ride2School Day).
For more information go to http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/active-travel-schools.htm
