KINDER STUDENTS LEARNING VITAL BIKE SKILLS IN MACEDON RANGES
Healthy Loddon Campaspe, a Victorian Government-funded initiative aimed at improving health outcomes in the region, is supporting students from 15 kinders and early learning centres in Kyneton, Riddells Creek and Gisborne to learn vital bike skills.
The bike skills project aims to develop children’s bike riding skills and knowledge so they feel more confident and able to ride their bikes to be more active, more often.
As part of the project, bike skills sessions are being delivered by bike education facilitators, Bike Skills, teaching children fundamental bike skills in a fun and engaging way. Students are learning how to correctly fit and wear their helmet, different types of riding including straight lines and turning, plus road safety knowledge.
Additionally, Healthy Loddon Campaspe is also providing through the project:
- 42 new balance bikes across 13 centres.
- 180 new helmets across 15 centres.
- Road crossing safety play kits at 15 centres.
- New bike racks outside 12 kinders and early learning centres to promote active travel.
Alicia O’Brien, Coordinator, Healthy Loddon Campaspe said, “providing bike equipment and small infrastructure, as well as fundamental bike education in early learning settings across the Macedon Ranges will increase children’s bike riding confidence from an early age.”
“Active travel, such as bike riding, contributes significantly to children’s daily physical activity.”
“Through building their knowledge and skills in a fun and supportive way, we hope that the students will feel more comfortable to choose bike riding as a way to be active into the future,” said Ms O’Brien.
Jodie Dyer, Nominated Supervisor at Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre, said “the children have been enjoying the opportunity to join in the bike riding and safety skills sessions each week.”
“We look forward to continuing to build on their skills using the balance bikes, helmets and road safety play kits provided by Healthy Loddon Campaspe.”
Bike skills sessions have been held at a number of sites, with the final session being held at Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre on Monday 24 June.
