STUDENTS in Grades 3 to 6 completed an important term of Bike Education at Wonthaggi North Primary School recently.
The program, run by a group of passionate volunteers, assists students at schools across the shire to help them increase their knowledge of bike riding and to learn about bike safety on the road.
One of the volunteers Don Turner, a retired teacher, began the Bike Education program 21 years ago at Newhaven Primary School on Phillip Island.
Don said the program began when Bass Coast Community Road Safety applied for a road safety grant from VicRoads.
He was asked to join the committee, and it all went from there.
Don and the other volunteers Clem, Ken and Ron received their training through the Department of Transport and Planning.
They all said the Wonthaggi North Primary School (WNPS) groups this year have shown ‘so much improvement’ over the five weeks.
From students not wanting to ride to now being emerging riders, the volunteers said ‘everyone’s loving it’ when asked about student opinions of the program.
Don said the number of bikes required to be loaned out this year is the indicator of the success of the program.
A couple of years ago, 24 bikes were needed to be loaned to students to participate in the program.
However, this year, due to a greater interest in bike riding and more students asking for bikes for birthdays and Christmas, only 12 bikes needed to be borrowed.
All schools who take part in Bike Education are extremely grateful to Wonthaggi Blue Light, through Victoria Police, for providing the loan bikes each year.
“I liked Bike Ed because it helped me learn how to ride a bike and not be scared,” Grade 5 student Emma said.
WNPS PE teacher Beth Walker said Bike Education has become a highlight of the school year for the students.
“It has been fantastic to watch the number of students riding to school grow each year,” she said.
