Meet the Ride2School Team
About this page
The Ride2School team is getting more students riding and walking to school more often.
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Leigh Snelling Program Manager Leigh works with the Ride2School team and our sponsors, stakeholders and supporters. PROFILE: When I was at school around 80% of us rode or walked to school. School was on top of a hill and the first riding rite of passage was getting to the top of the hill without standing up. No gears on my trusty old Raleigh bike. Aching muscles, burning lungs and the biggest smile ever - what a thrill! After school and at weekends we explored far and wide; to the river for fishing and sailing, to the golf course to 'rescue' balls for sale to bemused golfers and visiting friends for fun and mischief. Riding gave us freedom and challenge and a sense of achievement - and still does.
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Marissa Dewan Schools Coordinator Marissa works with students and staff at secondary and primary school to get more students walking, riding and wheeling to school. PROFILE: I have worked in Secondary Schools as a PE teacher and have also worked in the Outdoor Recreation field. I love to see children being active! I am a keen cyclist and can remember riding a bike from a very young age. Growing up in the country I spent a lot of time exploring the tracks down by the creek and getting out on my bike to ride through the flooded gutters and streets when it rained. Riding my bike gave me independence and a sense of adventure. I still love the adventures which I have when I go mountain bike riding and cycle touring. |
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Tim Hurley Schools Coordinator Tim works closely with selected schools to increase the numbers of students walking and riding. PROFILE: I am happy cycling, swimming and working with others, as well as the occasional balloon animal, giant soap bubble and firebreathing. After years in the entertainment world, I now dedicate my life to encouraging students of various ages to take up Active Travel under the auspices of this wonderful program. |
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Mary Akiki Events Coordinator Mary is busy developing the Ride2School Events Program. She thrives on challenges and has really found one in this job! Our biggest challenge is getting her to go home at the end of the day... |
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Andrew Dabner Schools Coordinator Andrew is the latest addition to our Ride to School program. PROFILE: The past few years have seen him traversing the globe before planting his feet firmly on the ground in Melbourne, mainly “because it’s so flat and fantastic for riding!”. As a primary school teacher, Andrew has taught students in Melbourne, Tasmania, London and the Middle East. He also enjoys music, all things theatrical and even a spot of karaoke – usually songs that mention the word ‘bicycle’. He is thrilled to join the Ride 2 School team. |
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Felix Acker Research and Statistics Officer Felix crunches the numbers and works out what we need to know to help more students ride and walk more often. PROFILE: My background is in cognitive psychology, so for a long time I now studied thinking, decision making and motivation. I am excited to now use this knowledge to help others to make the right choices: to do something for yourself and for the community and the environment. At the time I went to school back in Germany, cycling was more hazardous due to bad infrastructure. I am glad to see that many students here in Melbourne have the chance to get to school on their bikes easily and I want to help it become many more. |
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