Walking, Wheeling Wednesdays have kicked off at three local schools, helping to keep kids active, while reducing traffic congestion.
To encourage families to join the initiative, which promotes walking and riding to school, Noosa Council offered free Cycle and Scooter Skills Training to students from Prep to Year 6 at participating schools.
“As well as being a great way to beat the traffic and ensure the kids are getting some exercise, Walking, Wheeling Wednesdays give families an opportunity to spend a little extra time together,” says Council’s Transport Project Officer Joanna Ferris.
Maps with suggested routes and meeting points were sent home to every family at Tewantin, Noosaville and Sunshine Beach State schools, and so far the response has been positive.
At Noosaville State School, Deputy Principal Alasdair Scott is joining parents and students on foot.
“This has been a valued initiative by Council, with a number of our families taking up the opportunity for the cycle and scooter skills programs. Walking into school with families has been a great way to start a Wednesday and a chance for an informal chat,” he said.
Each meeting point offers plenty of carparking.
“Parents and carers taking part in Walking, Wheeling Wednesdays park their cars 500m to 1km away from school and walk, ride a bike or hop on a scooter for the last part of the journey.
“It reduces the number of cars around the school, and it’s a fun and healthy way to start the day,” Ms Ferris said.
Families have busy lives and so allocating one day a week – Wednesday – to walking or cycling to school is a great way to incorporate fitness into daily life as well as reduce traffic congestion.
“Walking or cycling even one day a week can make a real difference,” Ms Ferris said.
Walking, Wheeling Wednesday is a Noosa Council initiative supported by funding from the Queensland Government’s Community Road Safety Grants Scheme.
