Orbost Primary School has been awarded a $3,000 Andrews Labor Government grant that will encourage kids to ditch their lift to school and cycle instead.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing announced that Orbost Primary School is one of 19 across the state to share in $50,000 for projects that support active travel to school.

Schools will be able to create bike parking facilities, build bike sheds and ACTIVEpaths that allow students to ride safely to school. It means more kids are learning valuable bike safety, and more Victorians are living healthier lives.

Bicycle Network’s Ride2School Program shows Victorian kids there’s no commute quite as enjoyable as an active one and the Labor Government is ensuring the popular program continues. The Labor Government has also announced $2.8 million funding to secure the program for a further four years.

Our kids are our future, so we need to give them every opportunity they deserve, and a healthy and active start to the day is key. By walking, cycling or skating to school, participants are getting their recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise, and learning healthy habits for later in life.

Only a fifth of Victorian students walk or cycle to school each day, but schools participating in the Ride2School Program have more than double the national average of kids incorporating exercise into their daily commute. They’re improving their confidence, their socialisation skills and their concentration levels at school.

Students should always wear a helmet when riding their bikes, and be aware of others on the roads and footpaths.

For more information about Ride2School visit www.bicyclenetwork.com.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Orbost Primary School students are great at making physical activity part of their daily routines and this grant will provide better opportunities for them to travel to school using their own pedal power.”

“We’re lucky to live in a region where so many kids can get outdoors and ride or walk to school.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, John Eren

“The Ride2School Program plays a key role keeping Victorian students healthy and happy and ready for a big day at school. We’re extending it, so that more kids can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

“Our kids are our future, so we need to give them every opportunity they deserve. We’re helping ensure Victorian students learn important bike safety skills and improve their health and wellbeing.”