Bike Ed volunteers in demand
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Ride2School's volunteer Bike Ed assistants have had a busy term, making a difference in helping children in different locations across Victoria to ride more safely. But they're looking to help many more over the rest of the year.
Two primary schools which delivered Bike Ed to their students in this term requested the help of our Bike Ed trained volunteers. They were very happy to oblige.
At Ivanhoe Primary School, a group of four (Rowan, Glennys, Alan and Liz) assisted the teachers with their five week program. They attended on consecutive Tuesday mornings, to help in a variety of ways. They helped teachers with both indoor and outdoor activities.
In the classroom they were able to assist with advice about road rules and managing traffic situations safely. Their skills and knowledge proved invaluable for the bike and helmet checks. The assistants also played a valuable role during the riding activities. They supervised groups during the skills sessions on the playground, and provided extra supervision when the group headed out on the bike paths and roadways near the school. They were often called on to do running repairs on bikes, and assist students who were struggling with the physical demands.
At Gardenvale Primary School, Bike Ed volunteers were able to assist at the beginning and end of their intensive one week program. On the Monday, Glennys spent the morning checking and adjusting bikes and helmets for safety and correct fit. On the Friday, Alan and Andrew joined the group of almost 100 riders on a day long ride to Gasworks Park in Port Melbourne. This end-of-course activity was quite challenging for the riders, and also presented challenges for the volunteers who needed to repair punctures, adjust brakes and do various other repair jobs.
The Ride2School Bike Ed volunteers have also been called on to assist with preparations for National Ride2School Day. Scott assisted with bike checks and basic repairs at Spring Creek Community House in Torquay. Joe played a similar role at an open evening at Pakenham Consolidated PS.
The teachers really appreciate having the volunteers assist them with their Bike Ed programs. "It was fantastic having the extra hands" says Maryann Mugavin of Ivanhoe PS. "Their support has been invaluable".
Ride2School now has Bike Ed trained volunteers available to assist in most areas of Melbourne, as well as Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool and other regions in Victoria. If you have plans to do Bike Ed at your school, contact 