Deputy Leader of the Opposition and MP Tanya Plibersek showed her support, visiting students at the Crown Street Public School in Surry Hills. “I haven’t had so many opportunities to ride in Canberra of late,” she said. “It’s great to be out riding in my local electorate today. I’m really impressed by the students’ bikes that have been decorated. Being active is fun as well as healthy.”
Active travel is a great way for students of all ages to meet their recommended daily dose of 60 minutes physical activity every day. National Ride2School Day is the perfect opportunity for Australian students and school communities to embrace a healthier start and to try walking and riding to school for themselves.
Launched by Bicycle Network in 2006, Ride2School is a nationally run, year-round behaviour change initiative that works to make active travel normal for students while improving school outcomes. The program tailors its assistance to suit the needs or overcome the barriers faced by each school community. It helps students build the skills, know-how and confidence to make riding and walking a normal part of their lifestyle, and encourages healthy lifestyles by increasing students’ physical activity levels. Schools that participate in the Ride2School program average an active travel rate of 50 per cent, more than double the national average.
Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Behaviour Change, Tess Allaway, said the success of the Ride2School program and its positive impact on students’ health is growing. “National Ride2School Day allows the school community to embrace riding as an easy, fun and sustainable transport alternative,” she said.
