The State Government's popular Connecting Schools Grants are now open, with $225,000 available to Western Australian schools in 2022-23 to encourage families to get active.
Schools across the State participating in the Your Move program can apply for one of 49 grant packages to install bike and scooter parking, 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 encourage students and their families to walk, ride or scoot for the school commute - increasing physical activity and reducing car trips and parking pressures.
Almost $340,000 has been invested in WA schools through the grants program over the past two years, with the program's success and popularity seeing the grant pool increase from an initial $25,000 in 2018 to $225,000 in 2022.
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, giving more schools than ever the opportunity to get involved.
To apply for a Connecting Schools Grant or to register your school in the Your Move Schools program, visit the Your Move website
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Walking or riding to school with the kids is a win-win for the whole family. Kids are encouraged to be active and arrive at school alert and ready to learn, and family members can use this time to chat with their children, while helping to reduce traffic and parking pressures at school sites.
"The McGowan Government has a keen interest in driving changes to get more kids walking and riding to school.
"Following the release of The Declining Rate of Walking and Cycling to School in Perth report last year, we've increased funding provided to schools through Connecting Schools Grants to a record $225,000 to improve bicycle infrastructure and develop important road safety skills in students.
"In addition, 178 schools participating in our Your Move program, delivered by the Department of Transport, have completed over 850 active transport activities this year.
"I strongly encourage schools not already signed up to the Your Move program to do so now to enjoy its many benefits, including funding opportunities like this."
