The Preeceville School students and staff took the opportunity of the walk-and-roll incentive to walk or ride a bicycle to school on June 2, stated Leslea Hanson, Preeceville School vice-principal.
School buses dropped off students at the Preeceville Wildlife Campgrounds and students walked to school within their bus cohorts. All other students had the opportunity to meet at the same location or they could just walk, bike, rollerblade or choose whatever modes of transportation they wanted to take to school.
All students who participated in this special event were entered into a school-wide draw where two names were drawn at random and advanced to the draw for a new bike.
The program invited all staff and students in the Good Spirit School Division to choose active transportation as their means of getting to work by walking, running or riding to work or school, according to a press release. The benefits of choosing active transportation include: reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
The physical activity improves vigour, self-esteem and provides a sense of well-being. Health Canada reports that only 27 per cent of Canadians achieve health benefits from enough daily physical activity.
According to Transportation Canada, the number of cars per 1,000 Canadians has doubled since 1960. Distances driven and frequency of trips have steadily increased. Bicycling and walking can alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution.
All participants in the division had a chance to win a new mountain bike.
