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National Ride2School Day 2018
Parents urged to ditch the car

Australian parents are being called on to leave the car at home and give bikes a go on National Ride2School Day on Friday 23 March.

Less than two weeks to go

In less than two weeks, National Ride2School Day will see our streets come alive as more than 500,000 students get on their bikes and ride to school for the country’s biggest annual two-wheeled kids party.

Bicycle Network spokesperson Anthea Hargreaves said that parents and students just need to try riding to school and they will soon wonder why they ever drove.

“Riding to school is fun, faster than driving and the easiest way for children get their daily dose of exercise,” said Ms Hargreaves.

“When you see the smiles on the faces of children as they ride with their friends and you realise you’re not stuck in traffic and carpark chaos, you will become a convert.”

While National Ride2School Day is a big day of celebration, it is only one part of the year-round Ride2School program that works with schools, parents and students to make it easier to ride to school and live healthy, active lives.

And it works – schools that are involved in the program report that more than 50 per cent of students ride, walk, skate or scoot to school – more than double the national average.

“Whether it’s through bike education and skills sessions, marking out riding routes to schools on footpaths or supplying grants for bikes and bike parking, the Ride2School program opens the door to a healthy life for students,” added Ms Hargreaves.

Helping parents get kids active

There are also free guides and tips on Ride2School’s Parent Portal that parents can access from home and help their children start riding.

“With two weeks until National Ride2School Day there's still time to start practicing riding at home and planning trips to school by bike so students are comfortable on the big day.”

The Ride2School Parent Portal also includes guides to choose the right bike, fit a helmet and also keep your gear well maintained.

For more information on National Ride2School Day, the Parent Portal and to register your school, visit ride2school.com.au.