Bike Ed wheels are turning

A record number of schools across Bass Coast are conducting Bike Ed programs this year.

Bike Ed is a program that teaches Middle and Upper Primary students the knowledge, skills and attitudes to safely cycle on the roads, footpaths and shared paths.

Thanks to the support of a group of volunteers from the Phillip Island Bicycle User Group (BUG), and the free use of bikes belonging to Wonthaggi Bluelight, schools across the shire are able to offer the program.

This term Cowes Primary, Our Lady Star of the Sea and Newhaven Primary  have all run Bike Ed programs, as well as Bass Valley and Wonthaggi North.
Earlier in the year, the Phillip Island Village School ran Bike Ed, and next term there will be programs at Newhaven College, San Remo Primary and schools in Wonthaggi and Inverloch.

A typical program starts within the safety of the school grounds, on a hard, flat surface, such as a basketball/netball court. Bikes are checked for roadworthiness, including the condition of brakes, tyres, chain and the size of the bike for the rider. Bells and reflectors are part of that check.

Riders practise riding in a straight line, scanning for traffic and other hazards, tight turns, riding slowly when approaching an intersection or hazard, then left and right turns at an intersection.

The Phillip Island Bicycle User Group received funding from the Department of Transport and Planning (formerly VicRoads) to train school staff and volunteers, as well as funding to help operate the program and offer incentives and prizes to riders.

The Bass Coast Community Road Safety Committee also received VicRoads funding to maintain the bikes and trailers.

Jonathon McCormack, PE teacher at Bass Valley Primary voiced his support for the program.

"Most of our students travel to and from school by bus, so getting bikes here has its problems,"  he said.

"The kids respond really well to the challenges of improving their riding skills. There are some who were non-riders last year, and now they are completing the tight U-turns, the Slalom and riding the track around the oval, same as those who've been riding for years.

"For kids who have just learnt to ride, it can be life-changing for them. We've also had parents ringing the school saying how pleased they are with the Bike Ed program. Their kids are a lot more confident now."

The Bass Valley Year 5/6 students concluded their Bike Ed program with a ride from the school to the Corinella Bowls Club, via the new shared path, where they were treated to a game of Lawn Bowls and a barbeque lunch.

Over at Wonthaggi, Physical Education teacher at Wonthaggi North Primary School, Beth Walker, said the  school was grateful for the support of the cycling community.

"A number of our students don t have bikes, so the program would not succeed without the bikes on loan.

"The extra volunteers mean the riders get to develop their skills in groups of around 6 to 8, so they get lots of practice."