Get on your bikes and ride to school

Schools and families on the Central Coast are being encouraged to take part in National Ride2School Day this Friday, March 21.

The day aims to help students, teachers, parents and carers discover the joys of riding and kickstart healthy habits for the future.

Organised by charity the Bicycle Network, the day is Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel, with more than 350,000 children across Australia expected to participate this year by either riding, walking, scootering or skating to school.

Avoca Public School runs a bike licence scheme to promote the benefits of safe riding and will be encouraging its students to take part.

“National Ride2School Day is a great way to promote active transport for children and neatly aligns with our own school initiatives such as our bike licence scheme,” principal Ben Thomas said.

The initiative sees students given a checklist of road safety rules and responsibilities that they discuss with their parents.

Once they have checked them off and then demonstrated their understanding of these at school, they are issued with a bike licence, much like a driver’s licence.

“We find it’s a really fun way to go beyond teaching road safety lessons and complements the curriculum activities,” Thomas said.

“We discuss the benefits of riding a bike to school, how to navigate their neighbourhood, and how they can play their part in reducing traffic on our roads and our environmental footprint.

“It really helps us create a fun, community atmosphere.

“The children get a real kick out of receiving a laminated licence.

“We’ve just issued new licences to a cohort of students, which is perfect timing ahead of National Ride2School Day.”

Central Coast Local Health District health promotion officer Nigel Tebb said the day provides many health benefits.

“Riding a bike to school is a fun and simple way for children to get some of the recommended minimum 60 minutes of physical activity they need each day to be healthy,” he said.

“What’s more, going active to school improves a young person’s concentration, so children taking part can turn up to school more focused and ready to learn.

“We also encourage parents and carers to get involved on the day.

“Not only is it a great way to spend quality time with children and model healthy habits, but primary school students are safest when they are supervised by an adult when cycling.

“Most people probably know that you can ride a bike on the footpath if you’re under 16 years of age unless there are signs that specifically prohibit bicycles, but many might be surprised to know that you can also ride on the footpath if you’re 16 or older and riding with (supervising) someone under 16.

“Every little bit of physical activity helps, so even if you can only walk or cycle for part of the way, seize the opportunity – you’ll feel better for it.”

For more information on National Ride2School Day, visit www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/ride2schoolday.