Bikes, Scooters & Skateboards

Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards Policy

Encouraging active travel to and from schools has many positive physical and mental health benefits for children and adults. 

Walking, cycling or wheeling lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain cancers. Human-powered trips burn calories and help prevent obesity. Physical activity strengthens muscles, improves joint mobility and builds bone density. 

Outdoor movement lowers anxiety and depression, improves sleep and increases alertness and concentration.

At our last School Council meeting, our Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards Policy was approved.

The policy aims to provide clear expectations for students, parents/carers and staff regarding the safe use and storage of bicycles, scooters and skateboards when travelling to and from school, promote student safety, reduce the risk of injury and ensure a safe environment for all members of the school community.

Students who ride bicycles, scooters or skateboards to school must:

• follow all road rules and regulations.
• wear an approved and properly fitted helmet at all times when riding.
• use bicycles, scooters and skateboards in a safe and responsible manner.
• dismount before entering school grounds and walk their bicycle, scooter or skateboard to the designated storage area.
• store their bicycle, scooter or skateboard in the designated area immediately upon arrival at school.
• not ride bicycles, scooters or skateboards within school grounds at any time, including before and after school, unless they are participating in an approved school activity. 
• respect the safety of pedestrians and other road users when travelling to and from school.

• secure bicycles and scooters using an appropriate lock. Students bring these items to school at their own risk. Lalor East Primary School and the Victorian Department of Education accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to bicycles, scooters, skateboards, helmets or associated equipment brought to school.

   

• Students who fail to comply with this policy may:
  • receive a reminder of expected behaviours from school staff
  • be required to review safe travel expectations with school staff
  • temporarily lose permission to bring bicycles, scooters or skateboards to school where safety concerns arise.
  • Be subject to further consequences in accordance with the school's Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

Parents/carers are responsible for:

• determining whether their child is capable of travelling safely and independently to and from school
• ensuring their child understands and follows road safety rules
• providing and maintaining a roadworthy bicycle, scooter or skateboard
• ensuring their child wears an approved helmet
• accepting responsibility for their child's travel to and from school.