Bicycle Network: Latest News
A pilot Ride2School initiative aimed at encouraging students to actively travel to school was launched on Thursday in Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast.
The initiative is a partnership between Bicycle Network’s Ride2School program, the RACT and Strahan Primary School and aims to encourage students to ride their bikes to school, help get their recommended dose of daily physical activity, and to educate school communities on road safety for bike riders.
As part of the initiative, Ride2School’s ACTIVEmaps and footpath markers are being used to show the most direct way to Strahan Primary School.
Workshops will also be held to educate students (and their parents) on bike awareness and road safety.
RACT community engagement and education manager Kathy Stocks said the RACT had been working with the Bicycle Network to develop and deliver the program for primary schools around Tasmania.
“Delivering messages to primary school aged children is a big priority for the RACT and it helps ensure our roads are a safe environment for children and motorists alike,” Ms Stocks said.
“We use footpath signage to help students and families use the maps, showing them the best places to cross the road and providing helpful hints on how to do this safely,” she said.
Bicycle Network’s General Manager of Behaviour Change Gemma McCrohan said encouraging students to actively travel to school boosts independence in a supportive environment and is a crucial part of their development.
“Students who ride or walk to school arrive energised, alert and more ready to learn than those who don’t,” Ms McCrohan said.
Strahan Primary School Principal Monicka Lee said students were excited about being the first school to be part of the Ride2School initiative.
“The students at Strahan Primary School are really excited to be working with the Ride2School team and are privileged to have the support of RACT and the West Coast Council on this fantastic initiative,” Ms Lee said.
The Ride2School initiative also has the support of West Coast Council. Mayor Phil Vickers said the pilot project was a “great idea.”
“To encourage students to ride or walk to school and to do it safely by following placed markers is great for bicycle safety and healthy for the children. The council at its last meeting resolved that the General Manager liaise with both parties to implement the program,” Mr Vickers said.
For more information about Ride2School and its active initiatives, visit ride2school.com.au
No comments:
Post a Comment