Active Safe School Travel
The Sunshine Coast Council’s TravelSmart program encourages families at Caloundra State School to leave the car at home and travel actively to school where possible.
Research suggests that students that use active modes of transport receive many health and social benefits including:
- Improved attentiveness due to increased levels of physical activity
- Reduced parking demand and traffic congestion at peak times
- Less cars makes the schools safer for active travellers
- Improved road safety skills and awareness
- Increased social interactive and independence
- Increase time and cost savings for families
RideScore
TravelSmart have developed an innovative incentive based product that aims to increase the frequency of cycling to school whilst sending parents/carers an email notification on their child’s arrival and departure to and from school. Caloundra State School is the first school to be trialling RideScore.
How does it work?
- A beacon is placed under the seat of the participating student’s bike that can be sensed by a Bluetooth reader located near the school bike storage area.
- Each time a student enters the zone of the Bluetooth reader, mounted on the maintenance shed records, an entry or exit event is recorded on a database. The data collected will be used to monitor the number of trips completed and used to determine when incentive prizes are due
- Once the student enters or exits the zone the technology will then send an email notification to parents/carers informing them that your child has either arrived or left the school.
How do I register my child?
Register here
Incentive Program
20 days of active travel = RidesScore pencil/rubber
50 days of active travel = 1 movie ticket
100days of active travel = 2 movie tickets
150 days of active travel = $30 iTunes card
180 days of active travel = $80 bike shop voucher
** All prizes presented at parade
Active Transport Information and Tips
Why not plan to leave the house a little earlier to walk or cycle all the part of the way to school? By doing this you will not only improve the health of the whole family, you will have more time to meaningfully interact with your children and teach them a thing or two along the way. Remember a child who actively travels to school is more engaged to learn, likely to have les sick days and will have a high sense of community pride.
Walking Safety Tips
When walking to school ensure you:
- Escort younger children
- Teach your children the road rules and the meaning of traffic signs
- Talk to other parents about your children walking together – there is always safety in numbers
- Look right, left and right again before crossing the road
- Practice the travel route with your child, showing them the safest places to cross the road and what to look out for
- Stay left on the pathway and be sun smart
Cycling or Scootering Safety Tips
*Ensure your school allows scooters as a travel option
When cycling or scootering to school ensure you:
- Escort younger children
- Talk to other parents about your children cycling together – there is always safety in numbers
- Wear an Australian Standards approved helmet
- Practice the travel route with your child, showing them the safest places to cross the road and what to look out for
- Stay hydrated – don’t forget your water
- Ensure all wheeled recreational devices have working brakes and a bell
- Teach your child the road rules and to obey them
Tips for walking or Riding on shared pathways
- Be considerate of others
- Walk and ride in single file if the path is busy
- Keep left where possible
- Walk or ride in a predictable manner
- Slow down and use your bell when passing others
- Be alert so you are ready for the unexpected