Gear up for Ride2School Day

STUDENTS from across the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong are being encouraged to get active and participate in National Ride2School Day next week.

The nationwide event on Friday, 20 March helps schools to inspire more students to ride, walk, scoot or skate as part of their daily trip.

New national research shows 61 per cent of school trips are made by car, while only 21 per cent involve active travel.

Ride2School Day aims to turn this around by making getting active fun, visible and well supported.

The City of Greater Geelong is calling on schools to register now to make the most of the festivities.

“Active travel is one of the easiest ways for children to reach their recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity,” Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“Ride2School Day brings whole communities together in a positive way and is a chance for families to discover how enjoyable and achievable active travel can be.”

The city continues to implement creative ways for children to be more active in their daily travel.

In 2025, four local primary schools took part in its Walk, Ride, Scoot and Roll Geelong program.

Building on this success, the city has secured funding to help up to 80 primary schools boost participation in initiatives such as Ride2School.

Chair of the health portfolio, Cr Rowan Story, said the benefits went far beyond physical health.

“Students who arrive at school active and energised are more focused and ready to learn,” he said.

“Fewer cars at the school gate also means safer and less congested environments for everyone.

“This program helps build confidence, independence and road awareness in young people, which are skills they carry for life.”

In the Surf Coast, the shire continue to support active travel initiatives.

Local cyclists can take part in a free trial to share data from their cycling experiences to help maker local roads more bike friendly.

The 12-month trial began in December and has seen more than 200 cyclists engaged, including school children.

“National Ride2School Day is a great opportunity for kids to get active, build confidence and enjoy the simple fun of riding their bike to school,” shire mayor Libby Stapleton said.

“We hope to see lots of local students hopping on their bikes and enjoying the ride to school regularly.”

To register for National Ride2School Day and for more information, head to bicyclenetwork.com.au/rides-and-events/ride2school/