Around 20 students from the Axedale Primary School cycled to school on the O’Keefe Rail Trail on National Ride2School Day, Friday 23 March in the company of parents and the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail – and the kids said they loved it.
Around ten senior students, parents and three members of the Friends group started their ride at 8.00 am at Longlea Lane adjacent to Peppercorn Park. They met around ten junior students adjacent Arakoon Park who finished the ride to school with them. And finally they picked up a prep student on his bike with training wheels at the end of the trail.
On the trail: senior students prepare to ride to school along the rail trail.
Principal, Lex Johnstone, said that he recognised that the trail offered a safe route away from the busy highway and roads for students to build the skills and confidence needed to ride to school.
“We asked the Friends of the rail trail to help out, as they know the trail very well. They’re also passionate about the trail and its history, so perhaps some of that excitement will rub off on the students,” said Mr Johnstone.
Convenor of the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail, Garry Long, said the Friends were delighted to be able to help.
“The upgrading and extension of the rail trail opens this up as an additional recreational asset for the Axedale Primary School, which they’ve been quick to recognise” said Mr Long.
“This is a great opportunity to have the children riding to school on the rail trail, some probably for the first time. Not only does the day promote a healthy life style for the students, it is also a perfect opportunity for the school to create a link with the rail trail.”
We did it: the students celebrate arriving at school by bike.
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