Bicycle Network's Ride2School program will keep rolling for at least two more years in Victoria thanks to a $1.4 million commitment from the Andrews Labor Government.
Ride2School is a successful behaviour change program that works to create a healthier Australia by getting more children physically active.
Sadly in Australia, only one in four children get enough daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Riding or walking to school is an easy way to incorporate physical activity in to the routine of daily life.
The program works directly with schools to help students ride a bike more often and break down barriers that discourage them from being active.
Schools that are actively involved in the Ride2School program report an active travel rate of nearly 50 per cent, more than double the national average.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula joined students, teachers and Bicycle Network team members at St Marks Catholic Primary School in Dingley yesterday to announce the funding commitment.
"Getting healthy and active at a young age is important so the message is clear – get on your bike or scooter, team up with a mate and enjoy your ride to school," said Minister Pakula.
"We're proud to play our part in supporting schools like St Marks that back a healthy lifestyle. We hope to see other schools follow their lead in making riding to school a part of daily life."
Bicycle Network spokesperson Anthea Hargreaves said the re-funding of Ride2School will help to make the program even more effective.
"While schools engaged in Ride2School report more than double national average of active children, we need to grow that number," said Ms Hargreaves.
"Every child in Australia should get 60 minutes of physical activity a day and riding a bike is the easiest way to do that. It's also a lot of fun."
Victorian schools can get involved in the Ride2School program by registering for free.
Once registered, schools can access special resource and information packs and participate in HandsUp! counts to track active travel rates.
Once HandsUp! data has been logged with Bicycle Network, the Ride2School team can work directly with schools to improve their active travel rate.
For more information and to register, visit ride2school.com.au.
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