By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
DANDENONG West Primary School received 14 bicycles and helmets from the Ride2School Bicycle Network on Monday 15 June.
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams attended the official handover assembly and said to win the bikes was an impressive achievement.
“Dandenong West Primary beat more than 1000 schools to win the $5000 grant for a class set of new bikes,” she said.
Ms Williams said the bicycles would allow the school to encourage safe cycling habits.
“I think it’s wonderful… as someone who’s cycled a bit in my time its important kids know how to ride safely and enjoy the activity and keep safe with other road users.”
The carefully chosen bikes have adjustable seats so grades three to six will be able to use them.
Wellbeing worker at the school, Filiz Omer, said the bikes would be used in a new bicycle education program.
“Incorporated into physical education, the program will be run with the help of parents and youth workers who have been trained in bike education and will teach many students how to ride a bike,” Ms Omer said.
The program will start in term three and will deliver lessons on bike safety, how to ride, road rules and sustainability once a week.
“Most our students don’t have a bike at home and don’t have adequate riding skills so this program is really exciting and is a first for the school,” she said.
A part of the schools Community Castle and Men’s Shed the 14 bikes will be looked after and maintained by volunteers.
“The community castle is a place where adults and parents in the school can come together, socialise and take part in activities, it’s great they can keep the bikes in working order and safe for the students to ride,” she said.
