Ride to School

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is encouraging local families to ride, walk, scoot or skate to school this Friday for National Ride2School Day.

Mr Pitt said the initiative aimed to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for children.

“In the 1970s, when I rode a Dragster ‘treadly’ to Walkervale Primary School, 80 per cent of Australian kids walked or rode their bikes to school,” Mr Pitt said.

“Riding into the school yard on a Malvern Star was considered cool at Kepnock High in the 1980s.

“Today, just two out of every ten students ride to school.”

Mr Pitt said even those who hadn’t formally registered to take part could still use the opportunity to get active.

“Studies show that students who actively travel to school are more alert and better engaged in class,” he said.

“Physical activity is ranked second among the most important factors for disease control and it helps reduce congestion and parking problems on the roads around our schools.

“It also helps kids learn basic road rules.

“I encourage everyone who lives within riding distance of their school to get involved.”