Jaidyn Kennedy
Doherty’s Creek P-9 College launched its Ride2School program on Tuesday, September 3, with 175 students ushering in the program during a special assembly.
The assembly marked the unveiling of 12 bicycles provided by the RACV and helmets donated by Lazer.
Dr Cranky’s Bicycle Hospital will provide onsite bike maintenance to ensure the bicycles remain safe and functional.
RACV mobility general manager Julia Hunter said Ride2School’s Bike Ed is a Bicycle Network program that we’re excited to support as it equips students with new, valuable life skills that makes riding a real commuting option for families,” she said.
Bicycle Network chief executive Alison McCormack highlighted the potential benefits of using a different set of wheels to get to school.
“Riding to school helps children get their recommended daily physical activity needs and multiple studies have shown riding to school leads to better attendance, grades, cognitive performance and classroom behaviour,” she said.
Physical Education teacher Neville Stephens recalled how the moment the school decided it was time to implement road safety programs.
“I’ll never forget when I was on a playground duty on our sports field early in my time here and I saw quite a few kids involved in near accidents because of the traffic around.
“So I decided at that moment that we kind of need to do something about this.”
Ride2School’s Bike Ed program is aimed at grades three to six, focusing on teaching them riding skills, road safety awareness and helping them cultivate healthy, lifelong habits.
Ride2School is a partnership between RACV and Bicycle Network that aims to promote active lifestyles and road safety awareness among Victorian primary school students.
More information: visit.racv.com.au/education.
