St Mary’s Primary School in Lancefield will next week join 3000 other schools across Australia in National Ride2School Day and promote physical activity for students.
Organised by the Bicycle Network, the day is designed to assist schools in encouraging students to be physically active by riding a bike or scooter to school.
The Lancefield school currently has about 20 students who travel to school by walking, riding a bike, or riding a scooter and has taken part in both National Ride2School Day and Walk to School Month in previous years.
St Mary’s community liaison officer Jo Shannon encouraged families to get together and ride to school in groups to account for longer commute times in the rural area.
“The benefits of actively travelling to school include starting the day with exercise and fresh air, allowing the brain to be ready for learning and keeping students mentally and physically in shape,” she said.
“My advice to a parent or student thinking about actively travelling to school for the first time is to do it as a family or in a group of friends.”
St Mary’s offers bike education to students in years three and four, however Ride2School Day is open to students from all year levels, and continues to grow each year.
Students will often take part in the day by riding to their nearest bus stop, driving close to the school and then riding the rest of the way, or simply by riding all the way to school from home.
“Pre-plan your active travel so you know the best and safest route,” Ms Shannon said.
“Take your time and enjoy being outside in the fresh air. You’ll be amazed at how good it makes you feel – a great way to start the day.”
National Ride2School Day is set for Friday, March 24, but St Mary’s will host their ride day on Wednesday, March 22.
