Bike Ed
Bike Ed is delivered in schools and community settings. The program helps children aged 9 to 13 years develop the skills they need to ride safely and independently on roads and paths.
About BikeEd
The program involves a mix of practical activities conducted off-road (in the school grounds) and on-road (on local roads) together with classroom activities. The Bike Ed Instructor's Manual is the key component of Bike Ed. The manual consists of five modules:
- getting started
- basic bike skills
- building skills for riding in traffic
- riding on paths and riding on-road.
The Bike Ed Instructor's Manual is available for sale (see below). All other components of the Bike Ed resource are available to download below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Bike Ed?
Bike Ed aims 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 through participation in enjoyable learning experiences relevant to their ages and abilities.
Bike Ed inspires children to develop their bicycle riding skills and their physical capability. Other benefits include enhanced health, fitness and wellbeing, confidence and independence and learning and social development.
Who can teach Bike Ed?
Bike Ed is delivered in schools and community settings. It is often delivered by teachers. However, municipalities, the police and community groups/volunteers can play a role in supporting the implementation of Bike Ed programs in schools.
How can I get my Bike Ed instructor qualification?
Bicycle Safety Education Instructor Training for teachers and other school support personnel is delivered at local venues throughout the state.
The instructor certificate lasts for 5 years. People who have held the certificate for more than 5 years need to do a short refresher course.
Many of our students do not own bikes or do not ride to school. Do you provide equipment to run Bike Ed?
VicRoads and other organisations provide bicycle trailers with student bicycles, adult bicycles, helmets, vests and dome markers. The bicycle trailers are available for hire but demand is often high so they need to be booked well ahead. Contact details are provided in the table below.
BikeEd Program Materials
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The Bike Ed Instructor’s Manual
The Bike Ed Instructor’s Manual ($34.50) is available to purchase by visiting our online bookshop(External link), or calling us on (03) 8391 3255. The manual contains important information on planning and implementing Bike Ed.
A Family Guide to Bike Ed
Information for parents on supporting their child’s riding skills development, the need for correct riding gear and a safe bike, and safer places to ride.
Other languages:
A Family Guide to Bike Ed has been translated into 5 different languages. View languages section.
Bike Ed Certificates
Three Bike Ed Certificates are available for teachers to print for their students as they progress through the program.
Ed's Excellent Bike Ed Adventure DVD
A story that follows Ed as he discovers his bike brain and learns to ride safely on the road. This short DVD reinforces key learning for students in a fun way.
• View Ed's Excellent Bike Ed Adventure DVD (External link)
Traffic sign cards
Vehicle cards
For use during riding activities when simulating traffic situations to develop scanning skills.
Cycling scenes
Colourful images with teaching notes, provided in PowerPoint.
Checklists
The checklists are designed for use during riding activities to ensure that all riding manoeuvres are covered.
Sample letters
VicRoads is undertaking a review of the Bike Ed program which is delivered in schools and community settings.
VicRoads is reviewing the Bike Ed program with the goal of modernising the curriculum and increasing safe participation of students, schools and the wider community in the program.
To date the following has been undertaken to support the review:
- A Bike Ed advisory panel established.
- Three key research products have been commissioned.
- 1. A literature review examining best-practice programs, psycho-social milestones and enablers and barriers to cycling participation.
- 2. The development of cycling education framework for young and older students of cycling
- 3. Stakeholder interviews
- Consultation with Victorian and interstate jurisdictions
What happens next?
Feasibility study
The project team is currently conducting an independent feasibility assessment that examines the viability of different options for Bike Ed, and any possible variations.
VicRoads has appointed Deloitte to support with the feasibility assessment, to help identify ways to improve the current delivery approach and develop a roadmap for its introduction.
The joint project team of Deloitte and VicRoads will use input from partnering government agencies, interstate government-led bicycle education programs, local government and community representatives to inform the delivery model design.
When will I get a say?
When the feasibility study is complete in September 2018, VicRoads will commence further engagement.
Contact us
If you have any specific questions about the review, please get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
What other assistance is available?
The Ride2School program has a group of trained and enthusiastic Bike Ed assistants who can help schools throughout Victoria to deliver Bike Ed.
Contact Ride2School on (03) 8636 8888 for more information.
Ride2School website(External link)