Be cautious on our roads as school returns

Drivers are being reminded to slow down and be cautious around schools as classes return and students get back into riding to school next week.

Bicycle Network CEO, Craig Richards, joined Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino, and Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, at Richmond Primary School on Friday morning to remind road users to take care around schools.

Around 900,000 students will return to class across Victoria next week and many will be enjoying the summer weather and riding, walking, scooting and skating to school.

Mr Richards said that Term 1 is the perfect time for children to get into the habit of riding and going to school the healthy way.

“Riding to school is the easiest way for Australian children to get their 60 minutes of exercise a day and the new year is the perfect time to get back on the __bike and start new habits.”

“With National Ride2School Day coming up on Friday 17 March there will be plenty of students jumping on their bikes and getting active. While people may have got used to quieter roads during their January commute they will now start to get quite a lot busier.”

To increase safety speed limits will drop to either 40km/h or 60km/h outside schools in the morning from 8:00am to 9.30am, and in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Mr Merlino said that reducing speed is an important measure for drivers around school zones to reduce dangers to students.

“Walking or riding to school is a great way for children to keep active, but it also means drivers need to take extra care around school zones and look out for kids on bikes and scooters, as well as on foot,” said Mr Merlino.

“A small reduction in speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving if they are hit by a car.”

Mr Donellan echoed Mr Merlino’s calls and also said that it is important for parents to ensure their children understand the importance of road safety.

“Going back to school is an exciting time for students, but we mustn’t forget that they can be unpredictable, fast and difficult to see,” said Mr Donellan.

“We’re urging parents to talk to their children about safely crossing the road and encouraging the basics of road safety.”

To make it easier to get back on the bike, Ride2School has a number of resources for students, parents and schools including riding tips and guides for __bike maintenance and fitting helmets.

“Sometimes after the holidays bikes can get a bit neglected if they’ve been left in the shed, but getting ready to roll is as easy as A, B, C – simply make sure there is air in tyres, that the brakes are ok and that the chain is running smoothly,” added Mr Richards.

For more information about National Ride2School Day or the Ride2School program and to access resources, visit ride2school.com.au.