VicRoads’ biking education program for kids has been redeveloped to reach an additional six school year groups.
Launching its updated Program, VicRoads said Bike Ed had been “completely modernised” with the addition of interactive learning content for use in classrooms, including lesson plans (linked to the Victorian Curriculum); guides and worksheets; videos; and illustrations.
It said the resources were developed with the input of current Victorian teachers.
“This Program has been expanded to cover Years 1 to 8 (students aged 6 to 14 years) and it will include an adult program too,” VicRoads said.
“Previously, Bike Ed was only available to Primary School Years 5 and 6,” it said.
Welcoming the redeveloped Program, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said Bike Ed used practical, on-bike lessons to ensure young riders had the skills to ride safely and older students had the ability and confidence to ride independently.
“(Bike Ed) is an in-school Program that teaches students about safe riding behaviours, road rules and sharing the road,” Mr Carroll said.
“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,” he said.
The Minister said the Program’s expansion was part of the State’s commitment to increasing the number of people who used active modes of transport such as cycling or walking.
He said travelling by bike or on foot supported increased physical activity which played an important role in the ongoing health and wellbeing of the community.
“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,” Mr Carroll said.
Further information on VicRoads’ expanded Bike Ed Program can be accessed at this PS News link.
