Pedal power through bike ed

BALLARAT-Sebastopol Cycling Club’s Power2Pedal bike education program for children with autism is back for 2023.

The program is supported by Sports Central and runs for five weeks from Monday, 6 February at Victoria Park.

It aims to teach kids between five and 12 to basic cycling skills and well as develop their confidence, and help with make social connections.

“This program is designed to get more kids and teens with autism riding,” said Sports Central program coordinator Sabelle McSparron.

“Our hope is that they can make bike riding a part of their lifestyle and be physically active.

“For kids that might have autism or have struggled to learn how to ride a bike, having someone outside their family showing them how to do it can sometimes really help.

“Some kids don’t necessarily have the opportunity to learn these skills at home. The confidence that the program can give them when they learn how to ride their bike is a massive thing.

“We love this program, and the progress that we see in a short amount of time. It’s always one of the best programs of the year.”

Volunteer BSCC coaches will lead the sessions and aim to provide a fun, safe supportive environment that caters to diverse learning styles.

The five-week program costs $75 per person, with funds donated to the club. Riders can take part in either a 4pm to 4.45pm, or 5pm to 5.45pm session each Monday until 6 March.

Participants need to bring their own bike and helmet, and parents or carers are welcome to stay and be involved.

In recent years, Sports Central staff have worked with BSCC to build their capacity to lead the program independently but they continue to assist with promoting the sessions, reaching out to their all-abilities database, the disability community and parents.

Power2Pedal is expected to be popular and registrations can be made at bit.ly/3XiwCpY.