Drop zone, bike hub added at Leopold Primary School

A new park-and-drop zone has been launched at Leopold Primary School to support safer travel for students.

The zone, on Melaluka Road forms part of the Walk, Ride, Scoot and Roll Geelong program and was officially opened last Friday on National Ride2School Day.

Other upgrades to the school include give signposted active travel routes, TagOn kiosks to reward students, a new bike shed for up to 170 bikes and scooters, bike maintanence classes and Bike Ed accreditation for a physical education teacher.

Leopold Primary School assistant principal Samantha Sharkey said students had played a key role in shaping the project.

“Our students were proud to see their artwork included in the park-and-drop signage, and see their ideas brought to life,” she said.

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a real project in their community.”

The Walk, Ride, Scoot and Roll Geelong program is funded through a $110,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria and a further $10,000 from the City of Greater Geelong.

It is delivered in partnership with Bellarine Community Health and supported by Active Geelong.

Bellarine Community Health chief executive Kathy Russell said the changes would support safer travel to school.

“It’s exciting to see communities embracing creative ways to support children’s health and wellbeing,”she said.

“Clear routes and visible cues can help families feel comfortable and confident to use active travel to get to school.”

Creative active travel features designed by students have also been introduced at primary schools in St Leonards, Portarlington and Newcomb.

STAFF REPORTER