Kids’ healthy ride to school

By Emma Sun
MARAMBA Primary School received a $2500 from Bicycle Victoria as part of the Ride2School program.
More than half of the school’s students walk, ride or skate to school each week, which is double the national average of about 20 per cent.
The school has been actively logging the data in the Bicycle Victoria website for the past four years.
The money will be put towards bicycle parking at the school.
Ride2School program manager Scott Whiffin said Bicycle Victoria was delighted about the school’s achievements through the Ride2School Star Rewards program.
“We know this bike parking will add to the already considerable momentum in active travel underway at the school,” he said.
“Lifelong active participation habits are formed in childhood – that’s the key window for building healthy, active behaviours in our kids.
“Maramba Primary is very much setting its students off on the right foot through its commitment to the Ride2School Program and active travel.”
Vice-principal Sue Peterken said the school worked hard to reduce its carbon footprint, and she hoped the new bicycle parking will encourage more students to become more active.
“Every Wednesday, we have a walking Wednesday, which includes riding, skating or walking, to reduce our carbon imprint,” she said.
“We give certificates in assembly to the class with the most kids walking to school, and hopefully this will promote more kids wanting to ride because at least they’ll have a safe place to park their bike.”