More Victorian students are to feel confident riding to school as the Department of Transport and the Transport Accident Commission has expanded its Bike Ed program to reach more kids.
Announcing the expansion, the Department said the program, which supports kids to develop the skills they need to ride safely and independently, would now reach students from Grade 1 to Year 8 – the previous bike program was available to Grades 5 and 6.
It said Bike Ed was an in-school program that taught students about safe riding behaviours, road rules and sharing the road.
“The program is delivered by school staff, members of the school community or external cycling education organisations who have undertaken accredited training to deliver the program,” the Department said.
“Travelling by bike or on foot supports increased physical activity which plays an important role in the ongoing health and wellbeing of the community,” it said.
“Even a small shift in the number of people that have the skills and confidence to safely ride a bike will have significant benefits for congestion, health and the environment.”
The Department said significant improvements had been introduced to cyclist safety in recent years, including new minimum passing distances for cyclists.
It said the law imposed maximum court penalties of up to $1,817 and on the spot infringements of $363, while improper overtaking or passing offences incur two demerit points.
“The rule makes it mandatory for motorists to give riders at least one metre clearance when overtaking on roads up to 60km/h, and 1.5 metres on roads with speed limits above 60km/h,” it said.
“Rules have also been changed to allow children 12 years and under to cycle on footpaths, and those 13 years and over who are accompanying them to also cycle on footpaths.”
