Fatima Halloum
Pupils at St John the Apostle will ditch the family car for bikes and scooters for this year’s national Ride2School day.
Running on March 25, this is the fourth year the school has participated in the event that aims to encourage students to adopt a physically active method of travel.
Bike education teacher Jill Stevenson said an outstanding 78% of students participated in the program last year.
“Ride2school day teaches students that active transport is a great way to get to school. It’s fun, they can do it with friends or family and it’s great for both the environment and their health and well being.”
Ms Stevenson believes there are many benefits for kids who choose to partake in the event.
“It’s important for students to participate in ride2school day as for many it’s the 1st prompt to consider what active transport options are available to them, as well as being a stimulus for families to plan a safe route to school.”
A bike ed program was initially introduced to pupils at St John in 2018.
“The program has grown substantially since then with all grades 4,5 and 6 students now participating in weekly Bike Education,” she said.
“Last year we also ran a pilot program in grades 2 and 3, so we had 200 students doing Bike Ed during term 4.”
Ms Stevenson hopes the program continues to run and believes it is a unique and valuable program to the school.
“Not only does it provide an opportunity for students to learn to ride and develop their skills, in a safe way, but it also provides significant health and social benefits including opportunities for students to explore their community on bikes with their peers.”
