An initiative called RideScore has significantly increased the number of children riding and scooting to school this year.
The program has promoted healthier lifestyles and saved almost 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
RideScore works by using Bluetooth sensors that send real-time notifications to parents/carers on the arrival and departure of students riding and scooting to and from school.
In 2022 Sunshine Coast Council partnered with the Australian and Queensland governments, We Ride Australia, and Stockland Developments to encourage nine schools, stretching between Baringa and Peregian, to participate.
Fast forward to 2024 and more than 2,600 students across 11 primary schools enjoy the benefits of RideScore.
This year the program recorded an incredible 203,102 trips to and from school, covering 349,851 kilometres - that's equivalent to travelling the circumference of Australia 9 times
Sunshine Coast Council Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick congratulated the schools on their impressive achievements at Nirimba State Primary School.
Healthy outcome for program
"We are incredibly proud of the RideScore Active Schools Program - the first year of this incredible program led to a remarkable 55 per cent increase in the number of children cycling and scooting to school," Cr Broderick said.
"By encouraging children to take two wheels, the program promotes physical activity and has led to increased confidence, independence and social interaction, contributing to their overall well-being.
"One of the things parents have said they like most is the peace of mind the App gives them with real-time notifications on when their child arrives and leaves school."
"The success of RideScore on the Sunshine Coast demonstrates the potential for this program to be scaled up nationally and this is reinforced by the Deakin University evaluation of the program who evaluated the programs first year in 2022.
Initiative reduces congestion
"We urge other local governments to adopt this initiative to promote active travel and enhance community health and well-being."
The program has significantly reduced peak-time traffic congestion around schools, making the school environment safer for all. This year replacing 203,102 car trips with active transport, the program has saved 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The Sunshine Coast Council, is committed to expanding RideScore to more schools, ensuring children can benefit from this transformative program.
Key findings by Deakin University evaluating the 1st year
- A first of its kind in Australia
- 55 per cent increase to cycling and scooting to school
- 57,635 individual trips recorded
- 201,400 kilometres travelled by bike or scooter
- 29.5tonnes of CO2 emissions saved
Participating schools:
- Baringa State Primary School
- Brightwater State School
- Buddina State School
- Caloundra State School
- Chancellor State College
- Coolum State School
- Meridan State College
- Nirimba State Primary School
- Palmview State Primary School
- Peregian Springs State School
Talara Primary College
