SWAN HILL children will be more savvy on our roads following the launch of an upgraded bike education program.
The bikes themselves even have a new home — a sturdy shipping container obtained by RoadSafe Central Murray after the previous two trailers became unfeasible.
The container will be driven to various schools around the region by Sun Centre Auto Panels and is spacious enough for a fleet of 24 bikes and 12 scooters.
RoadSafe Central Murray chair Beryl Lowe urged primary schools to book in for the support program, which costs $50 for a week’s hire.
Ms Lowe said it had taken “hours and hours” of volunteer work to fit out the container.
RoadSafe Central Murray secretary Kerryn Colin-Thomé was on hand last Thursday to watch over six Swan Hill primary students try out a bike course at Riverside Park.
She told The Guardian she noticed the kids’ confidence on the bicycles increase after just half-an-hour on the course.
“The first time around they had difficulty, then they were flying and controlling the bike well,” she said.
“Awareness of road rules means there’s less likelihood of an accident.”
Swan Hill Primary School principal Janet Barnard echoed Ms Colin-Thomé’s observation.
“It develops their independence and self-confidence,” Ms Barnard said.
“The course talks about stop signs, left and right hand turns, U-turns, making eye contact … the training is more intensive than driving.
“You have to think and take care of yourself.”
Conducted in small groups of 10 to 15 students, bike education begins in Year 4 and carries through to Year 6.
Any primary schools wishing to take part in the program should contact Kerryn Colin-Thomé on 0439 631 382.
