Elsie Lange
Pupils at Gisborne Primary School are set to have a wheelie good time as they take part in National Ride2School Day on March 25.
Helping children achieve their 60 minutes of daily exercise, Ride2School Day is part of Bicycle Network’s Ride2School program and is Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel.
The pupils will be some of the 350,000 kids across the country taking part, and Gisborne Primary teacher Carla Dodd said there are many benefits of the early morning physical activity.
“There are mental health benefits, as exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain that make you feel happy,” Ms Dodd said.
“There are social benefits when riding with friends.
“We have so many students that ride with each other to school.”
Dylan, a Gisborne Primary pupil, said he likes riding to school.
“Not only is it healthy, but it is fun,” he said.
Alana, another pupil at the school, said it’s good for fitness and “it’s nice to ride in the fresh air”.
The teacher reminded students about riding safely, with a properly fitted helmet, using school crossings when available and always checking for cars.
“While riding to and from school is beneficial to your health and the environment, you need to make sure you are riding safely,” Ms Dodd said.
She also said that if it’s a pupil’s first time riding into school, parents can ride or walk alongside them too.
“You can also join a friend or group of friends and ride to school together,” Ms Dodd said.
“If students are nervous they could do a family ride of the route in the lead up to the day.”
Bicycle network behaviour change general manager Leyla Asadi said Ride2School day is an opportunity to start healthy habits and discover why riding is so fun.
“Riding to school is free and fun and can also help students perform better in the classroom. Studies have shown students arrive at school energised, alert and more ready to learn,” Ms Asadi said.
