Ride2School Day to get students into gear

RIDING to school whether it’s on a bicycle, scooter, or trike, is not only good for one’s physical health, but also mental health, which is why more than 350,000 students will make their own way to school on March 25.

March 25, also known as National Ride2School Day, will push schools to encourage their students to choose more active methods of transport for at least one day of the school year.

According to Bicycle Network, the organisation running the day, the number of children who ride or walk to school is significantly lower today than it was 50 years ago.

Eight out of 10 students chose active transport in getting to school in the 1970s. Now, that number has dipped to just two out of 10.

Highton Primary School, south of the Barwon River, is one of the local schools in Geelong getting involved with the day, as it has done for the past five years.

Highton Primary’s principal Robbie Broekman likes to set a good example for his kids by riding to school at least twice per week, but Ride2School Day provides the perfect opportunity for him to encourage riding to his students.

“Students knew that during the lockdown periods I was constantly encouraging them to get out and ride their bikes,” Mr Broekman said.

“I always tell the kids that I love to ride my bike and it’s important that they know I have that love for cycling as a principal. So, I’ll be urging as many kids as I can to ride to school next Friday.”

Principal Broekman said the day as a whole does a wonderful job of drawing focus to healthier methods of getting to school, particularly on the mental health side of things.

“Whether it is walking to school, riding to school or even just going for a ride in your spare time, riding your bike or your scooter is a really good way to keep yourself mentally well,” Mr Broekman added.

“It’s just a great way to improve other aspects of your overall health and that’s the main message I’m trying to send to my students.”

Corey Tidd, a teacher at Highton Primary, had a heap of advice for those thinking of riding to school for the first time.

“Take it easy, don’t ride too fast, take care when crossing driveways, watch out for other riders and pedestrians, and walk your bike across busy roads,” Mr Tidd said.

To register for this year’s National Ride2School Day head to <b>www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/ride2school/</b>.