School's out for the summer but in January, Bike Bendigo will be getting ready to go back to school - on two wheels, that is.
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Summer holidays are an ideal time to practice riding to school - especially for kids who are moving on to high school, which is when they're more likely to get to school on their own.
Riding to school enables teens to become more independent and get some regular exercise at the same time. It's great for their bodies, their minds, the wallet and the planet.
Bike Bendigo is running summer riding workshops for young teens, specifically for students making the transition from primary school to high school.
The three-session program is on offer in both Castlemaine (through Mount Alexander Shire Council, funded by Healthy Heart of Victoria) and Bendigo.
The workshops have been developed following the success of the urban cycling workshops delivered as part of Bike Palooza Bendigo in October this year.
Bike Bendigo president and bike skills educator, Nicola Dunnicliff-Wells is passionate about helping more students to ride to school.
"We're really keen to support students to ride when they move from primary to high school," she says. "They're ready to be more independent, but they may not necessarily have much experience riding on the road.
"In Victoria, footpath riding is permitted only up to age 13. We want to make sure students have the skills and knowledge to ride safely on roads - and to help them work out how to minimise travel on busy streets on their way to school."
Many students will be able to make use of Bendigo's off-road creek trails. Meanwhile those attending Bendigo South East College will travel along Bendigo's first separated bike lane on Ellis Street, Flora Hill (due for completion early next year), which links La Trobe University with the Back Creek trail.
"Bike Bendigo is really excited about this new bike lane - it will be terrific for students and staff riding to Bendigo South East College and La Trobe Uni, especially those who don't like to ride alongside cars," says Nicola.
The workshops include a mixture of interactive discussion, practical riding activities and fun. Participants will fine-tune their riding skills, learn strategies to ride safely on the road (including how to negotiate intersections), brush up on the law, and workshop their route to school.
Parents are welcome to attend..
"Just like learning to drive, learning to ride in traffic takes practice and, as parents, we can help reinforce those safe riding strategies and behaviours."
In any case, bike riding is a lovely way to spend time with tweens and teens - especially in the holidays.
For more information, visit www.bikebendigo.com