Riding a bike is one of childhood's great joys – whether it's family rides on a sunny day or pedalling to the corner shop for an ice cream with your friends.
But as well as being a rite of passage, research shows that riding a bike to school improves academic performance, focus and mood.
That's no surprise, given children aged 5 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day to stay healthy. Riding a bike to school is a fun way to integrate exercise into every day and gives young people a valued sense of independence.
Unfortunately, over the past 40 years the number of children who are physically active every day has dropped significantly. In the 1970s, eight out of ten students rode or walked to school. Today that number has dropped to just two out of ten.
For more than 20 years, Bicycle Network has run a bike education program for school children. Ride2School is a nationwide initiative that gives children the skills and confidence to ride a bike for life. We work closely with schools, students, parents and local government to break down the barriers to riding and cultivate active school communities.
Over the past two decades, we've reached hundreds of thousands of students around the country.
In 2025 alone, Ride2School has delivered 68 Bike Ed sessions, worked directly with 19 schools to deliver a variety of programs and run the National Ride2School Day, involving thousands of students.
This year, Bicycle Network is calling on Peaks Challenge riders to help us fundraise for Ride2School.
Peaks Challenge 2026 riders will tackle 235km and climb more than 4,500m in a single day. Why not pay that challenge forward and fundraise to instil a lifelong love of riding in young people?
Peaks Challenge participant Jeremy Young chose to fundraise for Ride2School in 2025.
"The raw challenge of Peaks Challenge was what first caught my attention, but it was the purpose behind the ride that truly inspired me,” he said. “I wanted to do my part and help a new generation discover the freedom and joy of cycling, just like I have.
"I was really touched by all the generosity and support I received.
“Always best to stay authentic, share your passion, and remember the incredible difference you are making for the kids, one pedal stroke at a time."
But even if you aren’t intending to ride the Peaks Challenge, you can still support Ride2School.
"We all know the benefits of riding a bike daily -- getting in some exercise, waking up our brains, and feeling good!" said Alison McCormack, chief executive of Bicycle Network.
"Not every child has a parent helping them to learn to ride, so if you want to support the next generation of bike riders, consider donating to keep our Ride2School program going."
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.