The Department of Transport (DoT) has launched its Connecting Schools grants, encouraging families to get out of their cars and be active on their way to and from school.
Now open for applications, schools across Western Australia participating in the Department’s Your Move program can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to upgrade bike and scooter parking, install bike repair stations, signage and bike tracks, and run bike skills and road safety education workshops.
According to the Department, the Your Move program also offered schools practical support to create an active school community with more people walking and riding — increasing physical activity and reducing car trips and parking pressure around schools.
It said participating schools were eligible for a variety of different grant packages depending on their Your Move accreditation level.
This year’s grant funding has been boosted to a record high of $115,000, giving more schools than ever the opportunity to become involved.
Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti said cycling, walking and scooting had many benefits including healthier, happier kids who arrived at school more alert and ready to learn.
“Through the Connecting Schools grants, almost $130,000 has been invested in schools over the last two years to improve bicycle infrastructure and develop important road safety skills in students,” Ms Saffioti said.
“With family bike riding, scooting and walking having increased markedly this year, it is a great time for schools to improve bicycle access and facilities to encourage families to use the trip to school as another opportunity to get active.”
Schools have until 31 December this year to apply for a grant and more information can be found on this PS News link.
