The State Government's popular Connecting Schools grants are now open, with $115,000 available to Western Australian schools in 2020-21 to encourage families to get out of the car and get active on their way to and from school.
Schools across Western Australia participating in the Department of Transport's Your Move program can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to upgrade bike and scooter parking, install bike repair stations, wayfinding signage and bike tracks, and run bike skills and road safety education workshops.
The Your Move Schools program offers schools practical support to create an active school community with more people walking and riding - increasing physical activity, and reducing car trips and parking pressure around schools.
Participating schools are eligible for a variety of different grant packages depending on their Your Move accreditation level.
Almost $130,000 has been invested in WA schools through the grants program over the last two years, with the program's success and popularity seeing the grant pool increase from an initial $25,000 in 2018 to $100,000 in 2019.
Recognising the importance and benefits of more active trips to school, a contribution from the Department of Education boosted this year's grant funding to a record high of $115,000, giving more schools than ever the opportunity to get involved.
Schools can apply for a Connecting Schools grant until December 31, 2020 with more information available on the Your Move website.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Cycling, walking and scooting have many benefits including healthier, happier kids who arrive at school more alert and ready to learn.
"Through the Connecting Schools grants, almost $130,000 has been invested in WA schools over the last two years to improve bicycle infrastructure and develop important road safety skills in students.
"With family bike riding, scooting and walking having increased markedly this year, it is a great time for schools to improve bicycle access and facilities to encourage families to use the trip to school as another opportunity to get active.
"I strongly encourage schools not already signed up to the Your Move program to do so now to enjoy the benefits of this funding opportunity and everything else the program has to offer."
As stated by Mount Lawley MLA Simon Millman:
"It was fantastic to visit Mount Lawley Primary School today to launch the Your Move Program with the Transport Minister.
"Mount Lawley Primary has already completed a number of activities this year including bike education and events on National Ride to School day, World Bike day and World Environment day.
"Mount Lawley Primary's Your Move program is co-ordinated by a parent-led Traffic Management Group, providing a great example of how parents can get involved in achieving great outcomes for the whole school community."
