By CASEY NEILL
ALMOST 300 Greater Dandenong teens are now pedalling their way around the municipality.
Learn, Earn and Turn, a sub-initiative of Coca-Cola’s The Happiness Cycle, handed out the bikes at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, last Wednesday, 17 September.
“We’ve done 19 of these programs around the country and this is the second biggest one,” Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards said.
The day was open to 15 and 16-year-olds and involved them learning about bike safety and physical activity and building their own bike.
“It took them between an hour and two hours. The way they’ve stuck at it has been incredible,” Mr Richards said.
He said the teens also received a helmet, lights and lock.
“Transport gives young people great mobility,” he said.
“The most frequent feedback we get is ‘this is incredible’. They’re absolutely blown away that they get a new bike.
“They’re so appreciative of it.”
He said the bikes would help them spend time with friends and family, and reach school and work.
“We do look for communities who we know have certain challenges,” he said.
“We know that it’s going to have a great benefit for the community.”
Mr Richards said the other key part of the program was tackling physical inactivity.
“If you have a bike it just becomes part of your day,” he said.
“You don’t have to join a gym.”
Teens chosen to help lead the program learnt skills in bike mechanics and assembly, event logistics and more.
Jayden Cheadle, 15, from Dandenong helped other participants to build their bikes.
“It was a really good day,” he said.
“I want do an apprenticeship in carpentry.
“But it’s always good to get some extra skills in other areas.”
Jayden also received a bike.
“It wouldn’t be something that I would have gone out and bought myself,” he said.
“It will help me to get around some places, but also for leisure time and to keep fit.”
