Geraldton Primary School students bike, scooter and walk to school for Your Move Day

Geraldton Primary School was abuzz with bikes, scooters and walkers on Wednesday morning as students and parents left the car at home in favour of active transport as part of the Your Move initiative.

The Department of Transport program helps people find alternative, active ways to get to and from work, school and around their local community.

As the only local school that participates, Geraldton Primary School gets points for every active mode of transport their students take.

Principal Jacqui Quartermaine said the Your Move committee started in response to local schools concerns about traffic congestion.

“We have liaised with the City of Greater Geraldton, who’ve been amazing drawing up some plans to try and reduce the congestion issues.”

“It’s really about reducing the footprint, number of cars, having an active, healthy lifestyle, and we’re a perfect location,” she said,

Mid West regional educational officer Aiden McDowell created maps for the students, showing the different routes they can take to school and how many minutes it will take.

“So there’s everything to help families and children have a more active lifestyle and support reducing the congestion as well,” Mrs Quartermaine said.

Deputy principal Judith Duff said the turnout from students and parents on the day was amazing.

“That is what we would like to see on a regular basis, so that is our aim.”

“We want to keep encouraging students and we thank parents for their support because parents have driven students closer and then allowed them to ride their bike which is a start,” Mrs Duff said.