After a two-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, Bike Ed programs are returning to local schools in terms three or four this year.
The program starts off in the school yard with activities aimed at developing balance and bike control skills, while learning the regulations and how the road system operates.
Schools across Bass Coast Shire are running Bike Ed sessions in Term 3 and Term 4 this year.
Bike Ed is about developing the knowledge, skills and experience that students need to be able to cycle safely, and use our road and pathways network safely, with consideration for other road and trails users.
After two years where schools were not in a position to run their Bike Ed programs, most are now working to catch up on lost time.
The Bike Ed program traditionally begins with Year 3 or 4 students, starting off in the school yard, with activities aimed at developing balance and bike control skills. It then progresses to left turns, right turns and negotiating roundabouts, still in the school yard, while learning some of the regulations about how the road system operates, with an emphasis on safety.
The Bass Coast Community Road Safety Committee, headed up by Cr Bruce Kent, supports schools by receiving funding from the Department of Transport (VicRoads) to maintain bikes that schools can borrow.
Another support is the co-ordination of community volunteers from the Phillip Island Bicycle User Group, Victoria Police and others. The committee also receives funding to host Bike Ed Instructor courses, which ensure that school staff and volunteers are adequately trained to deliver the programs in a safe and professional manner.
Experienced volunteers are not only able to assist with program planning, but also enable groups to be split, so that skill development is in small groups, ensuring riders have greater opportunity to practise those skills.
“I commend schools for taking on this program and teaching road safety,” Cr Kent said.
“The more we can get kids out of private cars and onto bikes, the more active they will be. It also eases congestion around schools, and eases the family budget, given the high cost of fuel.”
Bike Ed Co-ordinator, Don Turner, was also positive about the program.
“It’s very encouraging to see students with no previous riding experience getting up and away, with supportive staff and volunteers,” said Don.
“Other students with more experience get to develop bike control skills that enable them to ride safely and competently.”
