Leading by example is school principal Rod Barnard and grade two rollerblader Betsy with Ride2School students in tow.By Kath Gannaway
THE WHEELS of change are turning at Millwarra Primary School.
Students at the East Warburton and Millgrove campuses are being encouraged to hike, bike, scoot and even skate to school as part of a campaign promoting healthy lifestyles.
School principal Rod Barnard led by example on Ride2School Day last Wednesday, riding from Warburton to Millgrove.
The school is part of Bicycles Victoria’s Ride2School Coaching Program, which is at the school over two terms.
Coordinator Tim Hurley said the day was a great success, with a marked increase in the number of students taking part over the past year.
He said he had instigated discussions with the Shire of Yarra Ranges in an effort to get footpaths on Cavanagh Road, where the school is located, to increase safety for bike riders.
“It think there can be a perceived fear that it is unsafe, and it’s about breaking down barriers to students walking or riding to school and encouraging adults to realise that it can be safe for the kids,” Mr Hurley said.
Two of the school’s Ride2School Team, Marco Bruder at East Warburton and Laureen Knight at Millgrove, will be riding to school each Wednesday, and students are encouraged to ride along.
“We hope that more kids start riding to school, even just a few times a week,” Mr Barnard said.
