This course will take place on Tuesday 19 April and Wednesday 20 April 2022, running from 1pm until 4pm on both days.

This course is designed to ensure children and young adults develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to ride their bikes safely in real-world environments applicable to their skill level and experience.

It has been organised by the City of Boroondara and will be led by Cycling Safe instructor Steve Taylor - one of Australia’s leaders in cycling tuition, with over 20 years as a cycling instructor behind him.

The course will consist of theory-based learning as well as physical demonstrations followed by group participation. Practical sessions will take place in both traffic-free and on-road environments, facilitated by two instructors holding Working with Children Checks and First Aid qualifications.

Up to eight participants will be involved in the course.

* PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT WILL ADHERE TO RELEVANT COVIDSAFE GUIDELINES APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COURSE.

Who can participate?

The course is open to children who live or go to school within the City of Boroondara.

Participants will need to be able to ride on two wheels independently and possess basic cycling skills. They should also have a bike and helmet in roadworthy condition that they can use in the course, but bike and helmet hire is available at an additional cost (please request at least one week before the course dates).

What will participants learn?

Participants should come away from the course with increased knowledge, skills and confidence in riding their bikes safely in real-world environments applicable to their skill level and experience.

They should be better able to understand the possible chains of events that may lead to dangerous situations when cycling and be able to avoid them.

Ultimately, the course is about reinforcing that cycling is a necessary life skill that should provide enjoyment and wellbeing for the rider.

How will participants learn?

Day 1 of the course will comprise theory-based learning as well as several practical demonstrations followed by group participation in a traffic-free environment. Day 2 will comprise some theory-based learning before a practical simulation activity and then a short ride on quiet roads and cycling infrastructure to bring together everything learned.

Do participants need to attend both days?

Yes. In order to join the on-road ride on Day 2, participants will need to demonstrate suitable skills and behaviour on Day 1. In the unlikely event that a participant is not considered suitable for the on-road ride, parents will be informed at the end of Day 1 that their child will not be allowed to join this component of the course on Day 2. We ask that all registrants commit to attending both days in order for children to experience the important on-road ride.

Where will the course take place?

The course will take place at Camberwell Primary School (290 Camberwell Rd in Camberwell).

Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow for signing in and bike preparation.

What facilities are there at the course venue?

Toilets, water and undercover areas will be available.

What should participants bring/wear?

• A bike in good mechanical condition, with working brakes, a bell and pumped-up tyres

• A helmet in good condition that fits correctly and complies with the Australian Standard AS/NZ 2063

• Clothing and closed-toe footwear appropriate for riding a bike (but it is not necessary that clothing or footwear is cycling-specific)

• Sun/weather protection

• A bottle of water

• Snacks

• Any required medication

Will participants need to bring a printed ticket?

No, this isn't necessary. We will have a list of registered participants on the day.

What if the weather isn’t great on the day?

The course will be cancelled if the weather forecast predicts very wet, very windy or very hot weather. In this event, registrants will be contacted one hour prior to the course start time. If weather conditions deteriorate after the course has begun, activities may be modified or omitted or the session terminated to minimise health and safety risks. Parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child, if possible. Otherwise, we will wait with them until the course finish time.

Who can I contact to ask any questions about the course?

Please contact the lead instructor Steve Taylor on 0405 827 385 or email admin@cyclingsafe.com.au with any questions about the course.

* Please click HERE for other bike skills workshops offered by the City of Boroondara and how to be put on the City of Boroondara's mailing list.

* Please click HERE to find out about other services provided by Cycling Safe.