Ministerial Statement: Trinity Beach school children cycle safely ...

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Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace
08/05/2009

Trinity Beach school children cycle safely towards better health

Trinity Beach State School students can look forward to safer travelling conditions and excellent health benefits following today's (8 May) official launch of the Bikebus cycling program.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace commended the school for developing a program that not only provided increased health benefits for its students but contributed to a reduction in vehicles on the road network during peak hours.

"The program is designed to enable students to ride together to and from school along a designated route," Mr Wallace said.

"Students can join the Bikebus group twice a week at a number of collection points along the route, which is supervised by teachers and parents.

"It also helps to achieve our Toward Q2 targets of making Queenslanders Australia's healthiest people and protecting our lifestyle and environment."

The official launch was attended by Member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall, who joined Trinity Beach State School students and government representatives for a group ride to celebrate the initiative.

"This is a fantastic program that encourages our children to be active while at the same time learning to cycle safely," Mr Wettenhall said.

"I have seen first hand the enthusiasm of students participating in the Bikebus program and congratulate all parties involved in getting the program up and running."

Mr Wettenhall said the success of the program was a fantastic example of close co-operation between government agencies.

"I am pleased at the level of support both local and state governments have provided in helping Trinity Beach State School develop the program," Mr Wettenhall said.

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads, North Queensland Tropical Population Health Services and Cairns Regional Council have all made important contributions to the program.

"Contributions include a $10,000 grant from the Department of Transport and Main Roads and $10,000 from the North Queensland Tropical Population Health Services to construct a new bicycle rack at the school.

"A new 100-capacity bicycle rack, funded by both the department and North Queensland Tropical Population Health Services, has provided a safe and secure place for students to store their bicycles during school hours, and will accommodate for the growing number of children opting to ride to and from school each day."

Trinity Beach State School Deputy Principal Mark Allen, who initiated the Bikebus program in late 2008, thanked the local and state governments for their support.

"The 2009 Bikebus program started last week (1 May 2008) and we already have more than 60 students involved, which is a huge improvement on last year's figures," Mr Allen said.

"We are seeing a reduction in school bus numbers, an increase in school attendance as well as improved student behaviour and participation during lessons.

"I am extremely grateful for the support local and state governments have provided to make the Bikebus an exceptional program for our students."

Contributions made by government agencies include:

    * production of maps and signage to be installed at various locations along the Bikebus route
    * provision of a new 100-capacity bicycle-rack for students to secure their bicycles during school hours
    * provision of registered traffic control training for teachers and parents who act as supervisors to assist students safely cross roads along the route
    * provision of signage to install at bicycle racks
    * donation of bicycle repair and maintenance equipment including pumps, pedals and patches
    * advice and support to assist the school develop a safe travel route
    * cyclist safety education for students.

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