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Launch of TravelSmart project: supporting kids in Belmont, Highton and Grovedale to walk and ride to school
Thursday, 23 July 2009
4:02 PM
Media Releases
Phase two of Travelsmart Geelong, a program that encourages children to travel ‘actively’ to school, was officially launched on Thursday 23 July.
Seven primary schools in Highton, Grovedale and Belmont have adopted the TravelSmart program to encourage students to walk and ride their bikes to school.
Before the TravelSmart program was launched, a Travel Survey was sent to parents from all participating schools to determine the real and perceived issues that prevent children from walking and cycling to school.
Geelong Council will address key concerns relating to safety such as construction of paths and issues around roads and placement of school crossings.
The Highton, Grovedale and Belmont Project is the second phase of Travelsmart Geelong project, coming after the Bellarine celebrates its success with more than 50-70% of children there now using active and sustainable transport.
“Thirty years ago 70% of children walked or rode their bikes to school. Now 70% are driven to school,” said Cr Andy Richards, who holds the portfolio of Transport and Infrastructure.
“That’s a sad statistic – by driving to school instead of walking, riding, skating or even scooting, children are missing out on benefits to their health and the health of their environment.”
“More children walking or riding means less traffic congestion around schools, making it safer for the whole community,” he said.
“Less traffic congestion makes the roads around schools much safer for the community.”
“Travelsmart is a great program that will increase the number of children who enjoy fresh air and exercise on their way to school, and council is proud to be involved,” Cr Richards said.
The Travelsmart logo, designed by a Grade 5 Mandama Primary School Student, was also unveiled at the launch on Thursday.
A similar VicHealth project called Streets Ahead was also launched today in St Albans, Whittington and East Geelong.
After surveying community members last month about the barriers to children walking or riding to school, the Streets Ahead Steering Group launched a program to promote the benefits of active transport.
The group also aim to create a local environment that is safe and convenient for children who want to walk or ride to school.
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