In Merri-bek, our streets belong to everyone who walks, rides, plays and drives. We want more children to feel safe, confident and able to walk or ride around their local neighbourhoods, and by 2030 we are aiming for 80% of all trips to our schools to be made via sustainable forms of transport; whether this be by foot, bike, scooter or public transport.
The Ride & Stride program is an award-winning innovative behaviour change program designed to get more Merri-bek kids riding, striding and scooting to school.
We work closely with schools to understand specific barriers to active travel in their local area and deliver a tailored suite of initiatives to encourage more active trips to and from the school gates.
Ride & Stride Programs
Open Streets
For a short period during drop off and pick up times we open the street outside the school gates to walking, riding, scooting and play without car traffic, creating safe and healthy streets for families to arrive safely and sustainably.
Bike Buses
We support schools to set up their own Bike Bus – a bike bus is a group of families who ride to school in a group. It’s called a “bus” because there is a set route and timetable, so it can pick up more “passengers” along the way.
Dr Cranky’s
We work with Dr Cranky’s, a primary school-based bike recycle program that aims to ensure all kids have access to a working bike. Donated bikes are recycled and given to those that need them at participating schools, along with free helmets, locks and other bike accessories.
Biketober
Biketober is a month-long program held around the country in October. We support our local schools with leaderboards, weekly prizes and a Top Schools Prize for the most engaged school – an icecream bike! Students compete in weekly themed competitions focused on riding to school.
Tag On
Using bluetooth tokens, kids ‘tag on’ at kiosks each morning selecting how they travelled to school that day, earning points for travelling actively and allowing parents to receive an instant email notification that their child has arrived safely the moment their child tags on.
And more..
From free Bike Education training for school staff, School Crossing Supervisor road safety incursions, and Active Travel Rebates, we work with schools to deliver a range of other programs supporting families to get to school safely and sustainably.
To enquire about the Ride & Stride program, get in touch at zerocarbon@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
Ride & Stride Schools
Moomba Park Primary
Pascoe Vale Primary
Belle Vue Park Primary
Brunswick North Primary
St Pauls Primary
