Primary schools across Bass Coast have recently participated in two Bike Ed Challenge events.
The Bike Ed Challenge utilizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes towards cycling safely that riders have been developing in the Bike Ed programs at the schools.
Balance and bike control activities in the Challenge include riding in a straight line, scanning for hazards, riding slowly when approaching hazards, negotiating uneven surfaces and simulated hazardous materials such as broken glass, as well as knowledge of turns at traffic lights and roundabouts.
One event was held at Wonthaggi Primary School, and included riders from Wonthaggi North, St. Joseph’s School and Powlett River Primary, Dalyston, as well as Wonthaggi Primary students.
The other challenge was at Bass Valley Primary, where about 50 riders took turns to go through the course.
The challenge activities were partly supervised by students from the senior classes, who not only helped the activities run smoothly, but also had the task of identifying riders who were to receive awards and prizes at the conclusion.
These prizes included gift vouchers to Wheel Heat, the Wonthaggi bike shop, as well as bike computers, drink bottle cages, head lights, tail lights, bike repair tools, puncture kits, tyre levers, handle bar grips, ride shirts and caps and other goodies.
These were purchased from a grant from the Department of Transport and Planning, and supplied by Wheel Heat, an important sponsor of Bike Ed for over a decade.
Don Turner, one of the organisers, had strong praise for the schools involved.
“I was very impressed with the riding ability of the students,” he said.
“It shows how effective the schools’ programs have been. The level of concentration and skill the riders demonstrated is a credit to the schools.
“I was really pleased as well with the students who supervised the activities during the challenges, and the way they chose riders for the prizes at the end was outstanding.”
The schools have each implemented their Bike Ed programs, mostly during Term 3 and Term 4, with volunteers from the Phillip Island Bicycle User Group, who are trained Bike Ed Instructors giving expert assistance.
The extra helpers enable riders to develop the bike skills in smaller groups, while getting important feedback about progress. The extra helpers are also able to support inexperienced riders, sometimes for one-to-one “learn to ride” help.
One of the barriers to students participating in Bike Ed is access to a roadworthy bike and helmet.
This is overcome by being able to borrow bikes and helmets from a fleet owned by Wonthaggi Blue Light. Schools can book a trailer, which is delivered to the school for the duration of the Bike Ed program.
Each year, a handful of students learn to ride for the first time during the Bike Ed program. The new confidence this gives those students can rub off to other aspects of their wellbeing.