Next gen holds the Power2Pedal

BALLARAT Sebastopol Cycling Club’s Power2Pedal program has been empowering autistic children through bike education during March.

The series of four Monday clinics has been run alongside Sports Central to offer a safe and inclusive space for young riders, aged between five and 12 living with autism spectrum disorder, to develop basic bike skills, grow in confidence, and interact with other children.

Sports Central’s project coordinator Tom McCarthy said the aim has been to create a space that’s fun, supportive and understanding of diverse learning styles, where autistic children can comfortably grasp how to cycle.

The sessions at Victoria Park have been driven by two experienced children’s coaches, and two assistant coaches, all from BSCC.

“Through some coach education around how to best engage children with autism in sport, we were able to develop this product which was really suitable for our participants,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Some modifications throughout the program include having small group sizes, having a high ratio of coach-to-participant support, and having a range of modified equipment and aids to support each of the unique children.

“But a significant aim was to ultimately teach the kids how to ride a bike without using training wheels, if possible, identifying that if we can teach them without training wheels now, their riding development in next few years will be far greater.”

Mr McCarthy said there was a “massive demand” for Power2Pedal, with 17 participants taking part over the four weeks.

Retention from week-to-week has been high, development has been “through the roof,” and there’s been plenty of smiles.

“When the children learn and master a new skill after a couple of attempts, they just can’t hide their joy,” he said.

“Parents have been stoked seeing their children develop… and they’re excited that their family can now enjoy rides together.”

Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club president Tim Canny agreed the roll-out has been joyous.

“Seeing the kids’ faces light up has been fantastic,” he said. “We’re really honoured to have been able to put the program together. It’s been a collective effort and a resounding success.”