Building bike skills and safety from the ground up
Students at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Sorrento have been swapping the classroom for the outdoors, taking part in a new bike education initiative designed to build confidence, teach road safety, and spark a lifelong love of staying active.
Run in partnership with Peninsula Health, the Bicycle Network, and Mornington Peninsula Shire, the program goes beyond a few laps of the schoolyard. Instead, it’s a structured series of lessons helping kids learn how to ride safely, follow road rules, and handle their bikes with skill — all set against the stunning backdrop of Sorrento.
More than fun: Essential transport education
With over 80% of the Mornington Peninsula lacking public transport, bikes are more than just a pastime for many families — they’re a practical way to get around. By teaching these vital riding skills early, St Joseph’s is giving students knowledge they can use every day, especially in a town where buses are rare.
A whole-school approach to health and wellbeing
This bike initiative is just one piece of St Joseph’s bigger focus on health and wellbeing. The school recently completed its Sun Protection priority under the Healthy Schools Achievement Program and has now shifted its efforts to boosting daily movement. Students regularly dive into swimming lessons, beach-based science projects, and cultural days filled with music and dance, keeping learning lively and engaging.
Leading by example on the Peninsula
St Joseph’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Peninsula Health and Mornington Peninsula Shire have both recognised the school for building a strong culture of wellbeing. By weaving physical activity into everyday learning, this small coastal school is setting a benchmark that others on the Peninsula might soon follow.
