Pedal program empowers young cyclists

A PROGRAM designed to help get more Ballarat children and teens with autism and spectrum disorders riding their bikes and to build their self-confidence has again been hailed by organisers as a success.

Run annually by the Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club (BSCC), the fifth instalment of the

Power2Pedal coaching program saw three children – from an initial enrolment of six – graduate with achievement awards.

The children underwent five training sessions on Monday nights in February and March at the closed park section of the Victoria Park Criterium circuit.

Chris Liston, who is in his 20th year with the BSCC and again delivered the program, said Power2Pedal had again delivered great outcomes.

“The program and the delivery of instructions produces real tangible results that are apparent and visible week-to-week and it’s great for the parents,” he said.

“They see their children growing in skills and development.”

Graduates Alex McLeod and brothers John and Elijah Ashton had a fantastic time learning new skills with the BSCC.

Mr Liston said nine-year-old John entered the program able to get a start on the bike but lacked real confidence in balance, handling and riding.

But after five weeks of drills and skills in power starting, bike control, balance, steering and turning, he gained great confidence on two-wheels.

“John has made significant progress from being abjectly nervous to confident and proficient,” Mr Liston said.

“He attended every session, and we stretched his abilities to deal with more complicated and fluent tasks.

“We even changed bikes from his single speed pedal back-braked machine to a geared multi-speed freewheel handbrake bike.

“It is these simple things that most children take for granted that are far more confronting and challenging for kids like John, Elijah and Alex.”

Younger brother Elijah made vast improvements throughout the program.

After intense work on starting power and bike balance, the youngster – who is seven – followed a similar set of drills to his brother, and together they were able to ride various training circuits of cones, focusing on steering balance, stopping and bike handling.

“It’s fantastic to see the development and sense of achievement in the children when they just get things to click and it all just works,” Mr Liston said.

Eight-year-old Alex attended every session over the coaching course.He learned that powering into the first push was paramount to being able to find a smooth and rhythmic pedalling action.

“Alex is a great boy and he takes in so much of his environment and things that are going on around him that focusing on just single elements of riding a bike is a major task in itself,” Mr Liston said.

“We know Alex has developed leg power, muscle memory and is aware of out of balance.

“Like a key in a lock tumbler, we need to crack all the elements together so that it all just flows, and Alex gets to be independent and proficient.”

Mr Liston praised the support of Caitlin Johnston, from Sports Central, and BSCC treasurer Hugo Tolliday, who coordinated the registrations, and were on course for the early 4pm-5pm sessions.