Released 03/03/2016
Students all around Canberra are encouraged to cycle or take another form of active travel for the journey to school tomorrow for the 10th National Ride2School Day event.
Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris and Minister for Education Shane Rattenbury visited students at Harrison School today to launch the event here in the ACT.
“Ride2School Day is a great initiative and another opportunity to give cycling a go as a way of getting to school,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Canberra is a great city, with beautiful weather and fantastic facilities for active people of all ages. Ride2School Day is a wonderful way to get kids excited about exercise in a really manageable way.
“Around 25 per cent of children in the ACT are overweight or obese which can lead to chronic conditions later in life. As a parent I know how important it is for children and families to spend time outdoors, and initiatives like the Bicycle Network’s Ride2School Day are invaluable in sharing this message,” said Minister Fitzharris.
“Riding or walking to school is a great habit to get into from a young age so it’s really important that the government is supporting and encouraging parents, students and teachers to make active travel an option for Canberra families,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“Research indicates that the benefits of engaging in physical activity from a young age extend even beyond addressing obesity. Physical activity helps children to build the confidence to try new things and be challenged. It also promotes social inclusion, and also helps children to concentrate so they can learn better.
“Riding or walking to school is a win-win for our kids and it’s really great to see so many schools, including Harrison School, working with students and families to make riding to school safer and easier around Canberra.”
The ACT Government is committed to supporting a healthy, active and productive Canberra. As part of this, ACT Health supports and delivers many programs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of our community, including:
- The Ride or Walk to School program, building the capacity of ACT schools to teach and encourage active travel to and from school;
- The Active Streets program, making it easier and safer for children to ride or walk to school;
- Fresh Tastes, supporting ACT schools to make healthy food and drinks a bigger part of everyday life for Canberra’s kids; and
- The Good Habits for Life program, providing parents and caregivers with information about taking simple steps to healthier eating, being active and being connected to the people around them.
To learn more about ACT Health programs and services visit: www.health.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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