Get set for an easy ride on Bruigom Street

Published on 25 March 2021

Bike Riding

Students and residents will soon have even more reason to enjoy walking and riding to school thanks to a new footpath being constructed on Bruigom Street, Norman Gardens as a result of funding from the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP). 

The 1.5 metre wide footpath is perfectly positioned to encourage students to walk and cycle to school, and is located at the rear entrance of St Anthony’s Primary School.

Rockhampton Regional Council was fortunate enough to receive $56,000 through the Queensland Government’s STIP funding for the construction of the path.

The program provides funding to improve safety and operation at schools through new or improved infrastructure.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams is pleased to see the new footpath underway and hopes that the path, once finished, will encourage more students to walk and ride to school.

“We know this is already a very popular route for St Anthony’s students and their families,” Mayor Williams said.

“This new path will not only make the ride to school a little smoother for those who already head this way, but hopefully it will also encourage even more students to hop on their bike or lace up their walking shoes before school.

“Here at Council we know that one of the best things we can do to promote the benefits of walking and riding is to ensure that we have the right infrastructure in place, which is why we’re so proud to deliver projects like this one.

“Officers at Rockhampton Regional Council are currently working on a region-wide Cycling and Walking Strategy to guide where future paths and cycling lanes will go, and I’m looking forward to many more projects like this one.”

Divisional Councillor Shane Latcham is looking forward to more students using the footpath once complete.

“Nationwide over the past 40 years the number of children who are physically active everyday has significantly dropped,” Cr Latcham said.

“We know that physical activity such as walking or riding to school improves students’ ability to learn and concentration levels, so not only is it good for their physical health but also their cognitive development.

“National events like Ride2School Day, which saw more than 350,000 students walk and ride to school last Friday, are a great opportunity to get out there and make use of some of the many pathways in our region.”

For more information on STIP go to their website

Some benefits of walking and riding to school:

  • Keeps you healthy (it helps to prevent chronic disease)
  • Helps build confidence
  • Improves mood and wellbeing
  • Reduces air pollution, noise pollution, traffic and our reliance on fossil fuels
  • It’s free
  • It’s fun!