Victorian families are joining kids across the nation in keeping healthy by getting active, with the national Ride2School day initiative encouraging students to get on their bikes to get to school.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today joined local students at Ascot Vale Primary School to support the initiative, with Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack and North Melbourne Football Club AFL/W stars Ben McKay and Nicole Bresnahan highlighting the benefits of cycling to school.
Riding a bike is an easy and fun way to get to school and is a core focus of the Victorian Government’s Active Schools initiative, which supports school communities to go beyond traditional physical education and sport to find opportunities for physical activity throughout the day.
The Andrews Labor Government launched the Active Schools, Active Kids, Active Communities initiative in November 2020, with $24.6 million towards the Active Schools initiative to ensure students have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that lead to healthy and active lives.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 included a further $20.8 million over two years to continue the Active School initiative, bringing the total investment to $45.4 million since 2019.
The Labor Government has invested a further $1.4 million to continue the Ride2School program led by Bicycle Network Victoria, ensuring more kids are encouraged to stay active and healthy.
More than 203,280 students from more than 484 schools around Australia have registered to participate in Ride2School in 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
“Active kids are healthy kids, and healthy students are best placed to make the most of each school day and get the best start in life – I encourage all kids to get on your bikes.”
Quote Attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“Ride2School day is a great opportunity for kids to get active and build riding confidence.”
Quotes attributable to Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack
“Riding to school can help students perform better in the classroom. Students who actively travel to school are more awake and alert. Their concentration levels and understanding of content improves.”
Quotes attributable to Principal of Ascot Vale Primary School Susan Osborne
“We’re a cycling friendly school community and like to think that every day is Ride2School Day at Ascot Vale Primary.”
Reviewed 23 March 2023