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NRMA Wants Students To Get On Their Bikes


NRMA Wants Students To Get On Their Bikes

Author: NRMA Motoring & ServicesDate: 06 August 2009

NRMA Motoring & Services and Bicycle NSW are encouraging high school students to be more active and aware of the health benefits of cycling with last week's launch of the NRMA 500km Gold Medal Challenge.

NRMA President Wendy Machin said students who register for the NRMA 500km Gold Medal Challenge have to clock up 500km on their bikes through everyday cycling activities.

"There is no restriction on where students ride to log their kilometres for the Challenge. They can ride to school, go mountain-biking with friends or simply ride to the shops or local park," Ms Machin said.

"The NRMA 500km Gold Medal Challenge is part of the wider NSW Ride2School program which aims to increase the number of students walking and riding to raise physical activity levels and improve health.

"NRMA is proud to be involved in the 500km Gold Medal Challenge for the first time and encourages all secondary students to participate.

"The Challenge will provide students with an opportunity to improve their fitness and familiarise themselves with the road rules.

"Cycling is fun, healthy and a great way to travel to school."

Ride2School NSW Program Manager James Adams said it was important for students to think about ways to increase their physical activity levels.

"The habits and attitudes that students develop now will carry into adulthood contributing to a long, healthy and active life," Mr Adams said.

"Students who complete the Challenge and correctly log their rides and distances, verified by a parent or teacher, will receive a gold medal.

"Bikes, cycle computers, velodrome workshops and free entry to a number of cycling events are other great prizes on offer."

To keep cycling a fun and safe activity the NRMA and Bicycle NSW recommends the following:

  • Before riding anywhere wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. When fitted correctly a helmet can reduce the risk of head/brain injury by up to 85 per cent.
  • Wear fluorescent clothing, bright colours or use reflective tape or markings when riding day or night to increase visibility. Just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
  • If riding on the road watch for parked cars and ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected like doors opening, or cars pulling out.
  • When using a footpath or shared pedestrian/bicycle path, keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.
  • Always obey the road rules.

Interested students can register for free for the NRMA 500km Gold Medal Challenge until 18 December 2009 at www.bicyclensw.org.au/content/ride2school.

Contact Kimberly Rigby 0439 133 215, NRMA
James Adams (02) 9218 5405, Ride2School NSW

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