Cowes Primary School has won this year’s annual Bass Coast Bike Ed Challenge. The event was open to all Primary Schools in Bass Coast. This year, seven schools and 15 teams, a new record, competed on a course at Newhaven Primary School.

The Bike Ed Challenge competition is an extension of the schools’ Bike Ed programs which aim to enable students to:

• gain knowledge and understanding of the road traffic environment and the road rules
• develop the physical and cognitive skills to manage the road traffic environment safely as a cyclist
• develop responsible behaviours, attitudes and decision-making skills for the safe use of bicycles both on and off the road

The Bike Ed Challenge teams consist of eight riders, who ride around a set course where they are assessed on their balance and control skills, including a slalom course, scanning, riding straight, riding slowly, turning at a roundabout and at traffic lights, and tight U-turns. They are also assessed on the roadworthiness of their bike and helmet.

Cowes Primary and Bass Valley Primary, who placed second, will advance to the Regional Final in October, where the top 12 schools from across Gippsland will compete.

The trophy was presented to the winning team by Cr. Bruce Kent, who chairs the Bass Coast Community Road Safety Committee, and is also Officer in Charge, San Remo Police Station. Cr. Kent addressed the riders, saying, “It’s great to see all of you working so hard at riding safely and skilfully, as you are the future of Bass Coast. I congratulate you all, as well as your parents and teachers.”

Encouragement awards were also presented to riders who have shown determination in practice or most improvement over the course of their Bike Ed program. These awards were all provided by Wheelheat of Wonthaggi.

Other sponsors and supporters include VicRoads, Gippsland RoadSafe, Victoria Police, Wonthaggi Blue Light, Bass Coast Road Safety Committee, The Phillip Island Bicycle Users Group and San Remo IGA. Supporters on the day include Newhaven Primary School for allowing us to use their facilities and Newhaven College for providing Year 9 students to assist with rider assessment.

After the competition, riders were treated to a Sausage Sizzle, prepared by Newhaven Primary School parents, sponsored by the Bicycle User Group and supplied by IGA San Remo.