By Callum Ludwig
Local students in the Upper Yarra swapped the back seat for a bike on their way to school on Friday 24 march for National Ride2School Day.
Warburton and Gladysdale Primary School students donned their helmets and check the gears before setting off for school.
Warburton Primary School teacher Kelly Frost said they had a fantastic turnout with 14 students getting involved.
“It was great to see so many children arriving at school with a huge smiles on their faces, some tackling the ride to school for the very first time. Prep student Harry and his mum rode from home, approximately 4km. Many parents commented that it’s something they hope to be able to continue to do in the future,” she said.
“These days give our students a supported environment to participate in something new and discover the joys in meeting up with friends for a chat on the way to school all while riding.”
In the 2022 edition, 370,777 students from 911 schools participated in the event.
Ms Frost said it also provides opportunities for students to share their passion for bikes and cycling and encourage them to inspire others.
“Not only does riding or skating to school improve our physical health and wellbeing, stamina and mental health but students arrive at school alert, energised and ready for learning,” she said.
“When we live and learn in such a beautiful environment it seems a waste to pass up an opportunity to jump on the bike and get those legs and minds into gear.”
Warburton Primary School students offered some of their thoughts on their ride.
Preps Wren loved going down the big hill while Harry said his legs got tired but it was a nice ride.
Grade 3 Jasper thought the uphill parts were frustrating but loved the downhill, Grade 6 Riley just enjoyed riding with their friends while Grade 5 Levi found it a peaceful and calming way to get to school.
