Bicycle Network and RACV help over 1600 Victorian students learn to ride bikes ahead of Ride2School Day

More than 1600 Victorian primary school students have gained critical bike riding and road safety skills through a partnership between RACV and Bicycle Network, as the organisations gear up for National Ride2School Day this Friday 20 March 2026.

More than 350,000 students across the nation are expected to ride, walk, scoot and skate to school on the day — a mass movement that reflects growing momentum behind active travel for children. It comes as new data reveals fewer than one in four Australian students walk or ride to school on a regular basis.

The Ride2School Bike Ed program delivered 70 sessions across six Victorian council areas in 2025, targeting students in grades three to six, helping ensure more Victorian kids are ready to take part in the national event with confidence.

National research shows just 21 per cent of students are currently walking or riding to school — with many children living within one kilometre of school still being driven — a trend the program is working to reverse.

Bicycle Network CEO Alison McCormack said National Ride2School Day was about normalising active travel well beyond a single event.

“In the 1970s and 1980s, eight out of ten Australian children walked or rode their bikes to school. Fast forward to today, and that number is just two out of ten,” Ms McCormack explained.

"National Ride2School Day is aiming to get more kids moving and celebrates walking and riding to school while helping normalise active travel for students, teachers and families beyond the event," Ms McCormack said.

"By removing the biggest barrier to riding to school — not knowing how to ride a bike — students are more motivated to regularly ride to school while meeting their daily physical activity needs.

"Our partnership with RACV helps us to deliver our goal of making riding to school a transport option for more families."

RACV General Manager Corporate Affairs Liz Carey said the benefits extend well beyond the individual student.

"Riding to school reduces car congestion around school zones, making our roads safer for everyone," Ms Carey said.

"Ride2School's Bike Ed program promotes active lifestyles and road safety for primary school students, making them feel more confident and capable in their community."

For more information about RACV's free primary school safety programs, visit RACV's Education webpage and for more information about Ride2School Day, visit bicyclenetwork.com.au.