School encourages bicycle riding
Woy Woy South Public School is among local schools encouraging its students to take part in National Ride2School Day on Friday, March 22.
"Our school is very focused on improving the health of our students, so it is a perfect opportunity to promote important health messages," teacher Ms Natalie Dwyer said.
"We already have lots of students who ride and walk to school, and we'll be encouraging even more to take part on the day to discover the joys of going active to school, while adopting some healthy habits."
Local Health District health promotion officer Mr Nigel Tebb said the day provided many health benefits.
"Riding a bike to school is a fun and easy way for children to get some of the recommended minimum 60 minutes of physical activity they need each day to be healthy.
"What's more, going active to school improves a young person's concentration, so children taking part can turn up to school more focused and ready to learn.
"We also encourage parents and carers to get involved on the day too.
"Not only is it a great way to spend quality time with children and model healthy habits, but primary school students are safest when they are supervised by an adult when cycling.
"Even if you can only walk, cycle or go active for part of the way, every little bit of physical activity helps."
Organised by charity The Bicycle Network, more than 350,000 students from around 900 schools across Australia are expected to participate this year by either riding, walking, scootering or skating to school, he said.
For more information on National Ride2School Day, visit www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/ride2school-day.
SOURCE:
Media release, 11 Feb 2024
Mitchell Gadd, CCLHD