2. Parents

About this page

Many parents expect their children to walk or ride to school. They understand that there are many learning opportunities on the way to school, as well as at school. Evidence is mounting that inactive children are at much greater risk of lifelong disease and even early mortality. For example, Diabetes 2 has only appeared in the subteen population in the last decade.

Bike Ed and Risk Management

We work to ensure that any students involved in Ride2School at their school are skilled and responsible bike riders, competent road users and careful pedestrians.

Ensuring they are safe on the road

As a parent or guardian you are a role model for your child's riding. Riding with you and observing your road behaviour will have a great influence on your child's own road behaviour. Here's some ideas.

Hey, have you thought about a bike shed?

That is all it took to prompt discussion of building a bike shed at one Victorian Primary school.

Is Your Child Ready?

Children mature at different rates both physically and emotionally. As a general rule, a ten year old has developed the peripheral vision and road sense necessary for independent riding. However, some children younger than this seem ready, and others who are older don't seem ready.

Obesity Epidemic Hits Students Hard

The Herald Sun is reporting on the disatrous consequences of unhealthy lifestyles for children. Here's more evidence that the health and fitness of young people is an issue for us all.

Pedal Pods

Pedal Pods or Cycling School Buses are similar to Walking School Buses; yet there are some extra things to consider when organising a Pedal Pod.

Some statistics

Spensley Street parents get active

Spensely St Primary School are leaders in promoting walking and riding to school.

Support the people who support your bike riding. Join Bicycle Victoria.

Useful links and information

Tips for Riding with Kids

Comfort for kids

Accessories for Kids

Bikes for Kids

Benefits of Riding and Walking to School

A Daily Prescription of Exercise

Child Safety and Bike Riding

The Parents Jury

Bicycle Victoria parents and Teachers Forum

Bicycle User Groups

Did you know..

Children need 60 Minutes of activity daily

In Victoria, most students live within 3 km of their school.  For students in Grades 5 and 6 this distance is easy to walk or ride and provides them with some of 60 minutes of daily activity recommended for students in these age groups.  For older students this is an even easier walking or riding distance so it's even easier to get their 60 minutes of moderate level activity every day.