FIT2BKIDS SCHOOLS PROGRAM

FIT2BKIDS Schools Program is a behaviour change program targeted at addressing the key issues in society today. A lack of physical activity has been identified as a major public health problem for both adults and younger people (Centre of Disease control, 2005; Sallis, et al., 2004). The centre of disease control has reported that about a third of teenagers are not physically active enough to benefit their health (CDC, 2002). The lack of physical activity among children is, in part, associated with travel behaviour. Contributing factors include parental safety concerns about personal and traffic safety and the increased reliance on the motor vehicle.

Given the evidence it is increasingly important to promote and instil healthy behaviours in childhood as children who are physically inactive are more likely to be inactive as adults and therefore pose a burden upon health services and society in later life. Choosing to make a journey using active travel has enormous implications for both the individual and the wider environment. R U Commuting Schools program directly addresses these important issues in society today, by breaking down barriers and working towards a sustained change in behaviour and attitude towards active travel. The School program operates to increase the number of students choosing active travel both for the benefit of personal health and the wider environment, by reducing carbon emissions.

The School program works with teachers, students, the P&C and other organisations (such as QLD Health, Department of Education and QLD Transport) to get more students choosing to travel to and from school using active travel.

FIT2BKIDS works with participating schools to develop activities and infrastructure that promote active travel opportunities for students.

In particular, the program works to:

Develop safe neighborhood walking and cycling routes for students and parents
Establish secure and sheltered bicycle parking for students who ride to school
Deliver bike education to all students
Make active travel and road safety an integrated part of the curriculum
Provide students with incentives and motivation to choose active travel
Gain a better understanding of the barriers to active travel to and from school