Pedal power push: RACV and Bicycle Network champion safe school commutes

By Our Reporter
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Learning to ride a bike safely encourages and empowers children to become physically active and Ride2School lays the foundation for lifelong healthy habits: Ms McCormack

RACV has partnered with Bicycle Network to roll out the Ride2School Bike Ed program, an initiative that’s all about getting Victorian primary school students safely on two wheels. With a $200,000 investment from RACV, this two-year partnership is set to make a significant impact, particularly in the northwest and southeast of Melbourne.

The program kicked off at Doherty’s Creek P-9 College in Truganina, where 175 eager students participated in a special assembly. The event featured the unveiling of a fleet of 12 Giant bicycles, courtesy of RACV, along with helmets donated by Lazer. To ensure the kids’ bikes are road-ready, Dr Cranky’s Bicycle Hospital will be on hand, providing crucial bike maintenance.

Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack expressed her enthusiasm for RACV’s backing of the Bike Ed program, highlighting the longstanding success of Ride2School. “Teaching kids to ride safely not only gets them moving but also sets them up with healthy habits that can last a lifetime,” McCormack shared.

The benefits of riding to school go beyond just physical fitness. Studies have shown that it can lead to better school attendance, improved grades, and sharper cognitive performance. For RACV, this isn’t just about the bikes—it’s about equipping students with life skills that turn cycling into a viable and enjoyable way to get to school.

The Ride2School program launched yesterday at Doherty’s Creek P-9 College in Truganina, with 175
students taking part in a special assembly that also unveiled a fleet of 12 Giant bicycles, funded by
RACV, and helmets donated by Lazer

Julia Hunter, RACV’s General Manager of Mobility, noted the broader goals of the program: “We’re thrilled to support initiatives that encourage active travel, which in turn fosters both physical and mental well-being. This partnership with Bicycle Network is a step towards making active commuting the new norm.”

Bicycle Network, Australia’s largest bike riding organisation, boasts nearly 50,000 members nationwide. As a registered health charity, the organisation is dedicated to advocating for safer riding conditions and promoting a culture of everyday cycling. Bicycle Network’s mission is clear: to create a healthy, sustainable society where everyone can enjoy the freedom of riding a bike. Through its renowned events and programs—such as the United Energy Around the Bay, Great Vic Bike Ride, Ride2School, and Ride2Work—the organisation continues to champion the rights of riders and push for safer, more accessible cycling infrastructure across the country.

The Bike Ed program is specifically aimed at students in grades three to six, and as part of their collaboration, RACV and Bicycle Network will explore ways to help schools boost their active travel rates.

For more details on RACV’s free primary school safety programs, interested parties can visit racv.com.au/education.


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