A program which sends real-time notifications to parents on their children travelling to and from school has boosted active travel among Sunshine Coast students.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said the RideScore initiative had significantly increased the number of children riding and scooting to school this year.
Cr Broderick said the program worked by using Bluetooth sensors that sent real-time notifications to parents and carers on the arrival and departure of students riding and scooting to and from school.
She said the program promoted healthier lifestyles and had also saved almost 60 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the past 12 months.
“In 2022, Sunshine Coast Council partnered with the Australian and Queensland governments, We Ride Australia, and Stockland Developments to encourage nine schools, stretching between Baringa and Peregian, to participate.”
Cr Broderick said in 2024 and more than 2600 students across 11 primary schools used the RideScore platform.
She said this year the program recorded 203,102 trips to and from school, covering 349,851 km.
“By encouraging children to take two wheels, the program promotes physical activity and has led to increased confidence, independence and social interaction, contributing to their overall well-being.
“One of the things parents have said they like most is the peace of mind the App gives them with real-time notifications on when their child arrives and leaves school.”
Cr Broderick said the program had significantly reduced peak-time traffic congestion around schools, with council committed to expanding RideScore to more schools.
Participating schools:
- Baringa State Primary School.
- Brightwater State School.
- Buddina State School.
- Caloundra State School.
- Chancellor State College.
- Coolum State School.
- Meridan State College.
- Nirimba State Primary School.
- Palmview State Primary School.
- Peregian Springs State School.
- Talara Primary College
