- Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
The Andrews Labor Government is inspiring the next generation of young Victorians to get on their bikes, skateboards and scooters by extending the popular Ride2School program for the next two years.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula joined students at St Mark's Primary School in Dingley Village yesterday to announce that the Ride2School platinum school was one of hundreds around the state that would benefit from the $1.4 million boost.
Schools participating in the program have more than double the national average of students walking and riding to school - 40 per cent versus 20 per cent.
Since 2006, Ride2School has encouraged hundreds of thousands of students to ride and walk to school regularly.
Last year alone more than 900 schools across Victoria took part in Ride2School Day - almost 370,000 students getting on their bike to boost their physical activity levels on the day.
Studies show that one in four children are not getting enough exercise - an early ride or walk to school is a great way to ensure students are energised and ready to start learning from the first bell.
This new $1.4 million injection will open the program to more than 200 additional Victorian schools, allowing them to make submissions for funding to support inspirational ideas that encourage regular active participation by students.
The boost will support a range of initiatives from building bike-parking facilities including bike sheds to identifying safe routes to and from school.
The Ride2School program also promotes the importance of bicycle safety - wearing helmets and being aware of other users of roads and footpaths.
Bicycle Network manages the Ride2School program, including the National Ride2School Day.
For more information about Ride2School, visit bicyclenetwork.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"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."
"An early-morning bike ride goes a long way to boosting energy, health and concentration in the classroom."
"We're proud to play our part in supporting schools like St Mark's that back a healthy lifestyle. We hope to see other schools follow their lead in making riding to school a part of daily life."
