More than 400,000 students from around Australia are expected to pedal, scoot, skate or walk to school on National Ride2School Day, Friday 24 March.
The free, annual event for primary and secondary schools in Australia is set to be the biggest since it began.
Registered schools gain access to helpful resources to ensure things run smoothly, including posters, stickers and count sheets to keep track of participation numbers.
National Ride2School Day celebrates active travel and many schools create their own events and use the day to set the tone for year-round healthy habits. It is hoped 450 Victorian schools will take part in 2023.
Albion Primary School in Melbourne’s west began participating in Ride2School day in 2020, but now runs monthly wheel and walk to school days.
Keysborough Secondary College is organising a “slow bicycle race” on National Ride2School Day 2023 to test the students' balance. It will also set up a “smoothie bike” and encourage students to pedal to blend up their smoothies. Staff hope to create a “ride to school bus” within the next five years.
Enthusiasm levels are also high at Willowbank Primary School, which saw about 90% of kids participate last year. Another strong turnout is anticipated for 2023.
More than 80% of school children rode or walked to school in the 1970s, compared to more than 66% who arrive by car today
National Ride2School Day is part of a broader effort to reverse this trend and participation numbers reached a record of 370,000 in 2022.
For registrations and more information go to ride2school.com.au.
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