Children from Darlinghurst Public School will beat the traffic and ride or scoot to school tomorrow for Ride2School Day (22 March). They will enjoy a morning of bike-based fun with the City of Sydney providing free bike bells and tune-ups.
More than 2,000 schools and 350,000 students will take part in the national event, which promotes active travel to school.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said it's a great opportunity for local families to have more fun on the school run help reduce traffic congestion around schools.
"Cycling is a great way to travel through our city. You don't get stuck in morning traffic, you're not reliant on a timetable, and it encourages health and active lifestyle" the Lord Mayor said.
"The most distant point of Darlinghurst Public School's inner-city catchment is a 20 minute walk away, so it's a great example of a school where walking or riding to school is often faster than driving.
"Walking or riding to school in the morning can really help keep kids energised and help them focus in class.
"Of course, their journey must be safe. That's why we are working with Roads and Maritime Services to introduce new 40 km/h speed zones on Darlinghurst's residential streets.
"Today, only one in four children ride or walk to school, so Ride to School day is all about reminding children how much fun it is to ride, skate or scoot to school."
In the 1970s, three out of four children walked or rode bikes to school. While active travel rates declined dramatically in the following decades, many school families have joined the recent uptake in riding, with inner city cycling rates doubling since 2009.
Darlinghurst Public School principal Rachel Privett said Ride2School day was a great opportunity for her pupils.
"The students who ride bikes, scoot or walk to school arrive ready for a day of learning. They often see friends on the way, and this time in the community boosts their sense of belonging. They're also getting a healthy start to the day.
"For parents who ride or walk with their children, it's an opportunity for quality time and a great way to model safe behaviours."
Ride2School Day is organised by the national bicycle charity, Bicycle Network.
More information
Contact City of Sydney Leanne Bridges on mobile 0402 208 986 or email lbridges@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Jack Begbie on 0481 759 580 or email jbegbie@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au