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Physical Activity Foundation

Information for Schools

Benefits of Riding or Walking to School

Health Benefits

Cycling or walking are simple ways for children to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives. Children and young people need to participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Social Benefits

Supervised riding or walking to school in early primary school years can develop the confidence and skills to independently travel in higher primary years. Childrenc an also interact with parents and other students walking or riding the same way home.

Educational Benefits

Research shows that children who ride or walk to school are more likely to arrive at school alert and ready to learn.

Environmental Benefits

Riding and walking to school provides environmental benefits to the broader community through:

  • Reducing traffic congestion
  • Reducing noise and air pollution       
  • Reducing greenhouse emissions         
  • Creating safer environments with less cars around schools

Why Not Get Involved?

It is easy to sign up! All you need to get started is approval from your school’s Principal and by nominating a teacher coordinator at your school.

So what are you waiting for? EMAIL info@paf.org.au to book a quick 10-minute information session at your school.

RWTS Flyer

2021 Pledge

What’s Included?

Free access to a set of hire bikes for 5 weeks

Safe Cycle an Australian Curriculum aligned classroom program for students to learn about bike safety and skills

TQI Accredited Professional Learning workshops or online training

Resources and support to run four active travel events in your school each year

Personalised maps to show the best route to your school

Support from a dedicated program manager

Does it Work?

A full evaluation report on the Ride or Walk to School program can be found here. The highlights include:

Other Active Travel Programs

Check out these other ACT Government programs that are being delivered to support walking and riding to school.

Active Streets for Schools

The Active Streets for Schools program is an extension of the Ride or Walk to School program to make the environment around schools safer to ride, walk, scooter or skate to and from school.

School Crossing Supervisors

School crossing supervisors (lollipop people) assist children to cross roads safely by directing traffic with a stop sign and providing instructions. They also help to manage the flow of pedestrians and motorists at the busiest crossings.