Less traffic around schools and students arriving energised and ready to learn – what’s not to like about walking or riding to school?
Recent research by Victoria Walks found a quarter of vehicle trips in metropolitan Melbourne beginning between 8 and 9 am are to a school.
Choosing active travel instead of driving means fewer cars on the road around schools. The benefits? Safer roads, less traffic congestion, fewer emissions, and children building healthy habits for life.
Spring is the perfect time to start walking or riding to school. You can make it a family habit, buddy up with friends or neighbours, or join Council’s efforts to support active travel for students.
Walk or Wheel Wednesday
Our Walk or Wheel Wednesday program is offered to primary-school students year-round. It encourages them to walk or ride to school every Wednesday for one school term.
Incentives include free smoothie-bike sessions like the ones enjoyed recently by Kew Primary School and Solway Primary School. Kew Primary School recorded an impressive 2,068 walks or rides by 500 students in Term 2, with Solway Primary School recording 1,757 walks or rides by 428 students.
Staff from participating schools said they noticed a visible drop in traffic congestion each Wednesday during the program, and students arriving at school alert and ready to learn.
Solway Primary students said they could concentrate better in class on Walk or Wheel Wednesdays. “It gets people more active and warms you up before class. You feel healthier because you’re moving more.”
Teachers and school staff can register their school online, so now’s the time to encourage your school to get on board. Find out more on our Safe and active travel to school page.
People powered
Visit our website to find out about the other active travel programs we offer, including:
- Boroondara Active and Safe Schools program (BASS)
- School Holiday Bike Program (offered in Term 1 and 3 school holidays)
- Kew Traffic School safety education program
- bike skills workshops for adults.
For more details about these programs and cycling or walking in Boroondara, visit our Cycling and walking page.